Teacher Salary

Memphis vs Tullahoma: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Memphis, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$62,113
$29.86/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$55,822
$26.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$62,113$55,822
Hourly Rate$29.86$26.84
Entry Level (P10)$48,632$45,491
25th Percentile$53,196$50,955
75th Percentile$65,223$68,908
Top Earner (P90)$77,381$85,196
Total Employed5,4104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($62,113) and Tullahoma ($55,822) elementary school teacher salaries.MemphisTullahomaMedian Salary$62,113$55,822Entry Level (P10)$48,632$45,491Top Earner (P90)$77,381$85,196US Median $64,597

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Memphis and Tullahoma is $6,291 (11.27%). Memphis's median is -3.85% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $28,749,Tullahoma spans $39,705. Tullahoma has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$48,632
P25$53,196
Median$62,113
P75$65,223
P90 (Top)$77,381
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$45,491
P25$50,955
Median$55,822
P75$68,908
P90 (Top)$85,196

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($67,383 effective) pays 10.81% more than Tullahoma ($60,808 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $62,113
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $67,383
Tullahoma
Nominal: $55,822
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $60,808

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,113/year)
  • Larger job market (5,410 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,383)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($85,196)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Memphis grew 10.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+10.7%

$55,550 (2019) → $61,510 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+12.4%

$49,195 (2024) → $55,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Memphis or Tullahoma?

Memphis has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $62,113/year, compared to Tullahoma at $55,822/year — a difference of $6,291 (11.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Tullahoma?

Memphis elementary school teachers earn $29.86/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $26.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Tullahoma as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $67,383, Tullahoma = $60,808), job availability (5,410 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Memphis vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $48,632 in Memphis and $45,491 in Tullahoma. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov