Knoxville vs Memphis: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $61,368▲ | $60,169 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.51▲ | $28.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,921▲ | $38,476 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,379 | $48,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,321 | $77,280▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,565 | $84,087▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,700 | 1,920▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville and Memphis are closely matched on overall plumber compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Memphis is $1,199 (1.99%). Knoxville's median is -6.18% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $41,644,Memphis spans $45,611. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($66,294 effective) pays 1.56% more than Memphis ($65,274 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,368/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,294)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,087)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Knoxville grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$44,610 (2019) → $59,860 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$54,700 (2019) → $58,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Knoxville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Memphis as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Knoxville vs Memphis?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov