Knoxville vs Memphis: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,175 | $89,556▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.03 | $43.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,768 | $61,676▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,911 | $65,607▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,319 | $106,340▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,611 | $122,219▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Memphis is $8,381 (10.32%). Memphis's median is -12.01% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $55,843,Memphis spans $60,543. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($97,154 effective) pays 10.79% more than Knoxville ($87,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,219)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,154)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Knoxville grew 11.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$70,170 (2019) → $78,060 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$79,950 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Knoxville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Memphis as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Knoxville vs Memphis?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov