Cleveland vs Memphis: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Cleveland, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,432 | $136,676▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.78 | $65.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,542 | $105,364▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,806 | $128,805▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,440 | $156,054▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,914 | $168,895▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Memphis is $10,244 (8.10%). Memphis's median is -4.75% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $91,372,Memphis spans $63,531. Cleveland 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 ($148,272 effective) pays 3.30% more than Cleveland ($143,542 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,676/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,895)
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,272)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Cleveland grew 2.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Cleveland, TN
$121,440 (2019) → $124,160 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$128,270 (2019) → $134,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Cleveland or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Memphis as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Cleveland vs Memphis?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov