Nashville vs Memphis: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,555 | $65,296▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.11 | $31.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,325▲ | $45,625 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,444 | $51,584▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,207 | $77,427▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,687▲ | $84,558 |
| Total Employed | 1,940▲ | 1,270 |
Verdict
Nashville and Memphis are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $4,741 (7.83%). Memphis's median is +1.49% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $41,362,Memphis spans $38,933. 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, Memphis ($70,836 effective) pays 12.69% more than Nashville ($62,857 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,687)
- ✓Larger job market (1,940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,296/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,836)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Nashville grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$49,680 (2019) → $59,339 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$57,810 (2019) → $63,984 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov