Chiropractor Salary

Knoxville vs Memphis: Chiropractor Salary (2026)

Compare chiropractor salaries between Knoxville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$75,580
$36.33/hr
Memphis, TN
$86,036
$41.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$75,580$86,036
Hourly Rate$36.33$41.37
Entry Level (P10)$43,836$60,198
25th Percentile$54,716$73,608
75th Percentile$96,743$103,875
Top Earner (P90)$117,149$113,102
Total Employed3570
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($75,580) and Memphis ($86,036) chiropractor salaries.KnoxvilleMemphisMedian Salary$75,580$86,036Entry Level (P10)$43,836$60,198Top Earner (P90)$117,149$113,102US Median $81,014

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.

The salary gap between Knoxville and Memphis is $10,456 (13.83%). Memphis's median is +6.20% compared to the US national median of $81,014.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $73,313,Memphis spans $52,904. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$43,836
P25$54,716
Median$75,580
P75$96,743
P90 (Top)$117,149
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$60,198
P25$73,608
Median$86,036
P75$103,875
P90 (Top)$113,102

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($93,336 effective) pays 13.37% more than Knoxville ($82,331 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $75,580
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $82,331
Memphis
Nominal: $86,036
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $93,336

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($117,149)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,036/year)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,336)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Knoxville grew 46.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 113.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+46.4%

$50,460 (2019) → $73,888 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+113.0%

$39,490 (2019) → $84,110 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays chiropractors more: Knoxville or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median chiropractor salary at $86,036/year, compared to Knoxville at $75,580/year — a difference of $10,456 (13.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Memphis?

Knoxville chiropractors earn $36.33/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $41.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to Memphis as a chiropractor?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $82,331, Memphis = $93,336), job availability (35 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Knoxville vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) chiropractors earn $43,836 in Knoxville and $60,198 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.

Clinically reviewed by David Lee, D.C.Data verified by Amina Patel, D.C.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% 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, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov