Nashville vs Oak Ridge: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Nashville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $149,239▲ | $132,772 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.75▲ | $63.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,739▲ | $77,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,035▲ | $95,596 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,090▲ | $169,948 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $363,131▲ | $205,797 |
| Total Employed | 3,990▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Nashville and Oak Ridge is $16,467 (12.40%). Nashville's median is -10.73% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $277,392,Oak Ridge spans $128,789. Nashville 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, Nashville ($154,912 effective) pays 7.11% more than Oak Ridge ($144,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($149,239/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($363,131)
- ✓Larger job market (3,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,912)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Nashville grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$101,620 (2019) → $142,540 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$115,287 (2024) → $126,812 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Nashville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Oak Ridge as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Nashville vs Oak Ridge?
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