Knoxville vs Nashville: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,884 | $140,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.85 | $67.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,718▲ | $70,782 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,251 | $131,982▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,878 | $161,482▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,113 | $170,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 990 | 2,630▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Nashville is $5,224 (3.87%). Nashville's median is -2.36% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $75,395,Nashville spans $99,345. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($145,712 effective) pays 0.19% more than Nashville ($145,434 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,712)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,127)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Knoxville grew 10.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$120,400 (2019) → $132,460 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$129,150 (2019) → $137,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Knoxville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Nashville as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Knoxville vs Nashville?
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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