Nashville vs Memphis: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager 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 | $126,369▲ | $111,394 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.76▲ | $53.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,065▲ | $67,999 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,942▲ | $84,256 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,991▲ | $138,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,710▲ | $173,973 |
| Total Employed | 2,460▲ | 670 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $14,975 (13.44%). Nashville's median is +6.26% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $125,645,Memphis spans $105,974. 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 ($131,173 effective) pays 8.55% more than Memphis ($120,845 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 ($126,369/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,710)
- ✓Larger job market (2,460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,173)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Nashville grew 52.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$80,340 (2019) → $122,190 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$72,870 (2019) → $107,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov