Columbia vs Memphis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbia, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,251 | $62,511▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.01 | $30.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,649▲ | $43,474 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,462 | $52,987▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,315▲ | $67,067 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,103▲ | $72,309 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,980▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Memphis is $4,260 (7.31%). Memphis's median is -8.17% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $30,454,Memphis spans $28,835. Columbia 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 ($67,815 effective) pays 6.87% more than Columbia ($63,454 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,103)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,511/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,815)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbia grew 25.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$43,837 (2024) → $55,110 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$44,880 (2019) → $59,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbia or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Memphis as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Columbia vs Memphis?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov