Kingsport vs Memphis: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Kingsport, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,615 | $140,759▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.14 | $67.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,446▲ | $77,761 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,172▲ | $92,775 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,184 | $209,065▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $254,159 | $338,150▲ |
| Total Employed | 300 | 1,670▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsport.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Memphis is $28,144 (24.99%). Memphis's median is -15.80% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $174,713,Memphis spans $260,389. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($152,702 effective) pays 17.22% more than Kingsport ($130,271 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,759/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($338,150)
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,702)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Kingsport grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.9% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$80,150 (2019) → $107,560 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$90,890 (2019) → $134,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Kingsport or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Kingsport to Memphis as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Kingsport vs Memphis?
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