Memphis vs Nashville: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Memphis, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,556▲ | $87,123 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.05▲ | $41.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,676 | $63,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,607 | $68,165▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,340 | $107,921▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,219▲ | $116,490 |
| Total Employed | 460 | 980▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Nashville.
The salary gap between Memphis and Nashville is $2,433 (2.79%). 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 Memphis spans $60,543,Nashville spans $52,859. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($97,154 effective) pays 7.43% more than Nashville ($90,435 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,556/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,219)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,154)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Memphis grew 7.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.0% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$79,950 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$72,240 (2019) → $83,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Memphis or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Nashville as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Memphis vs Nashville?
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