Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
63 Highest Paying Jobs in Memphis, TN (2026)
The highest-paying job in Memphis, TN, Tennessee is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $256,240 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 63 tracked occupations the average median is $99,135, with 27 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 84 (national average = 100), so a $99,135 nominal salary equals $118,018 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 63 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Memphis, TN, TN, from BLS OEWS data. Memphis, TN's cost-of-living index runs 84.0 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Memphis, TN, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Memphis, TN
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Memphis, TN's cost-of-living index of 84 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $256,240 · 10th–90th $123,450–$634,140 · 360 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Memphis, TN earn $256,240 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $634,140. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $305,048 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $238,040 · 10th–90th $72,420–$276,050 · 280 jobs in metro
Dentists in Memphis, TN earn $238,040 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $276,050. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $283,381 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $168,200 · 10th–90th $165,170–$376,660 · 120 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Memphis, TN earn $168,200 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $376,660. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $200,238 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $161,790 · 10th–90th $98,320–$221,880 · 1,710 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Memphis, TN earn $161,790 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $221,880. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $192,607 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $143,880 · 10th–90th $80,110–$273,740 · 2,750 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Memphis, TN earn $143,880 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $273,740. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $171,286 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $138,560 · 10th–90th $86,900–$219,780 · 760 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Memphis, TN earn $138,560 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $219,780. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $164,952 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $134,440 · 10th–90th $74,270–$322,970 · 1,670 jobs in metro
Lawyers in Memphis, TN earn $134,440 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $322,970. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $160,048 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $134,220 · 10th–90th $103,470–$165,860 · 1,460 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Memphis, TN earn $134,220 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $165,860. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $159,786 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $132,540 · 10th–90th $76,550–$230,420 · 1,180 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Memphis, TN earn $132,540 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $230,420. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $157,786 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $129,080 · 10th–90th $48,650–$168,350 · 110 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Memphis, TN earn $129,080 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $168,350. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $153,667 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Full Ranking (63 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $256,240 | $123,450–$634,140 | $305,048 | 360 |
| 2 | Dentist | Healthcare | $238,040 | $72,420–$276,050 | $283,381 | 280 |
| 3 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $168,200 | $165,170–$376,660 | $200,238 | 120 |
| 4 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $161,790 | $98,320–$221,880 | $192,607 | 1,710 |
| 5 | Financial Manager | Finance | $143,880 | $80,110–$273,740 | $171,286 | 2,750 |
| 6 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $138,560 | $86,900–$219,780 | $164,952 | 760 |
| 7 | Lawyer | Legal | $134,440 | $74,270–$322,970 | $160,048 | 1,670 |
| 8 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $134,220 | $103,470–$165,860 | $159,786 | 1,460 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | Management | $132,540 | $76,550–$230,420 | $157,786 | 1,180 |
| 10 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $129,080 | $48,650–$168,350 | $153,667 | 110 |
| 11 | Sales Manager | Management | $128,560 | $64,860–$233,960 | $153,048 | 2,040 |
| 12 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $126,400 | $79,800–$168,850 | $150,476 | 630 |
| 13 | Software Developer | Technology | $125,580 | $77,520–$168,000 | $149,500 | 2,270 |
| 14 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $125,130 | $100,750–$174,260 | $148,964 | 310 |
| 15 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $124,600 | $83,770–$154,040 | $148,333 | 1,800 |
| 16 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $121,900 | $94,700–$148,570 | $145,119 | 290 |
| 17 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $112,870 | $77,500–$171,430 | $134,369 | 250 |
| 18 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $112,800 | $72,800–$196,130 | $134,286 | 2,310 |
| 19 | Statistician | Technology | $111,690 | $65,000–$171,480 | $132,964 | 90 |
| 20 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $104,110 | $70,630–$150,400 | $123,940 | 390 |
| 21 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $102,510 | $50,180–$231,770 | $122,036 | 9,730 |
| 22 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $102,420 | $47,460–$200,220 | $121,929 | 90 |
| 23 | Data Scientist | Technology | $102,220 | $63,120–$160,170 | $121,690 | 410 |
| 24 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $100,640 | $63,550–$151,430 | $119,810 | 1,700 |
| 25 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $100,480 | $75,140–$131,620 | $119,619 | 1,540 |
| 26 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $100,120 | $44,810–$598,360 | $119,190 | 790 |
| 27 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $100,000 | $71,240–$126,090 | $119,048 | 800 |
| 28 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $99,960 | $75,350–$123,460 | $119,000 | 420 |
| 29 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $97,370 | $64,570–$164,320 | $115,917 | 490 |
| 30 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $96,180 | $61,530–$163,440 | $114,500 | 220 |
| 31 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $96,100 | $66,440–$132,290 | $114,405 | 780 |
| 32 | Management Analyst | Management | $94,980 | $59,470–$161,940 | $113,071 | 1,770 |
| 33 | Architect | Engineering | $93,970 | $62,990–$149,990 | $111,869 | 330 |
| 34 | Database Architect | Technology | $92,680 | $47,270–$142,100 | $110,333 | 250 |
| 35 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $91,180 | $50,660–$194,000 | $108,548 | 850 |
| 36 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $91,040 | $67,670–$120,600 | $108,381 | 170 |
| 37 | Network Architect | Technology | $89,250 | $62,580–$126,280 | $106,250 | 780 |
| 38 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $86,120 | $59,310–$117,530 | $102,524 | 460 |
| 39 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $85,860 | $51,470–$139,570 | $102,214 | 460 |
| 40 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $83,120 | $52,170–$145,270 | $98,952 | 180 |
| 41 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $81,690 | $46,790–$129,430 | $97,250 | 1,990 |
| 42 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $81,500 | $65,280–$112,310 | $97,024 | 13,760 |
| 43 | Web Designer | Technology | $79,690 | $47,940–$131,210 | $94,869 | 180 |
| 44 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $78,580 | $72,150–$119,720 | $93,548 | 650 |
| 45 | Accountant | Finance | $76,960 | $49,580–$122,830 | $91,619 | 4,390 |
| 46 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $75,910 | $64,070–$126,290 | $90,369 | 40 |
| 47 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $73,970 | $47,770–$134,790 | $88,060 | 110 |
| 48 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $71,600 | $38,810–$124,280 | $85,238 | 1,880 |
| 49 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $70,720 | $46,930–$115,630 | $84,190 | 310 |
| 50 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $64,000 | $39,270–$98,610 | $76,190 | 1,830 |
| 51 | Loan Officer | Finance | $63,250 | $38,210–$131,380 | $75,298 | 930 |
| 52 | Web Developer | Technology | $62,460 | $42,940–$118,280 | $74,357 | 240 |
| 53 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $62,230 | $48,170–$79,180 | $74,083 | 4,860 |
| 54 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $61,510 | $48,160–$76,630 | $73,226 | 5,410 |
| 55 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $61,000 | $37,980–$103,380 | $72,619 | 670 |
| 56 | Electrician | Trades | $60,890 | $38,670–$84,890 | $72,488 | 2,770 |
| 57 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $59,000 | $37,820–$100,990 | $70,238 | 590 |
| 58 | Plumber | Trades | $58,690 | $37,530–$82,020 | $69,869 | 1,920 |
| 59 | Writer/Author | Creative | $58,480 | $42,220–$94,560 | $69,619 | 170 |
| 60 | Paralegal | Legal | $56,850 | $42,950–$84,480 | $67,679 | 1,120 |
| 61 | Carpenter | Trades | $50,620 | $40,250–$64,780 | $60,262 | 1,240 |
| 62 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $50,490 | $34,930–$82,370 | $60,107 | 2,980 |
| 63 | Welder | Trades | $48,600 | $38,620–$65,280 | $57,857 | 1,590 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Memphis, TN
Memphis, TN's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Memphis, TN's cost-of-living index of 84 runs 16% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Family Medicine Physician with five-plus years of experience in Memphis, TN should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($445,190) or 90th percentile ($634,140), not the $256,240 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $256K Family Medicine Physician salary in Memphis, TN (COL 84) translates to $305K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Family Medicine Physician in Memphis, TN page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Memphis, TN is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $256,240 and a 90th-percentile reading of $634,140. The role employs roughly 360 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
27 of the 63 BLS-tracked occupations in Memphis, TN have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 63 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Memphis, TN is $99,135. The cost-of-living index is 84, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $118,018 in equivalent purchasing power.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 84, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Family Medicine Physician, Dentist, Pediatrician occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.