Memphis vs Murfreesboro: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Memphis, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,511 | $64,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.05 | $30.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,474 | $49,661▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,987 | $58,591▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,067 | $78,048▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,309 | $84,418▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,980▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Memphis and Murfreesboro is $1,799 (2.88%). Murfreesboro's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $28,835,Murfreesboro spans $34,757. Murfreesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Murfreesboro ($70,054 effective) pays 3.30% more than Memphis ($67,815 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,980 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,418)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,054)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Memphis grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.3% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$44,880 (2019) → $59,140 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$44,627 (2024) → $60,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Memphis or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Murfreesboro as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Memphis vs Murfreesboro?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov