Chattanooga vs Memphis: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,579▲ | $140,759 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.32▲ | $67.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,055 | $77,761▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,407▲ | $92,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $216,352▲ | $209,065 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $372,167▲ | $338,150 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 1,670▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Memphis is $13,820 (9.82%). Chattanooga's median is -7.53% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $304,112,Memphis spans $260,389. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga ($169,005 effective) pays 10.68% more than Memphis ($152,702 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,579/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($372,167)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $169,005)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Chattanooga grew 38.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 47.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$106,440 (2020) → $147,640 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$90,890 (2019) → $134,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Chattanooga or Memphis?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov