Veterinarian Salary

Memphis vs Murfreesboro: Veterinarian Salary (2026)

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

Memphis, TN
$132,087
$63.50/hr
Murfreesboro, TN
$130,887
$62.92/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNMurfreesboro, TN
Median Salary$132,087$130,887
Hourly Rate$63.50$62.92
Entry Level (P10)$106,352$75,915
25th Percentile$113,920$101,585
75th Percentile$163,671$167,535
Top Earner (P90)$183,949$202,875
Total Employed31029
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($132,087) and Murfreesboro ($130,887) veterinarian salaries.MemphisMurfreesboroMedian Salary$132,087$130,887Entry Level (P10)$106,352$75,915Top Earner (P90)$183,949$202,875US Median $137,334

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Memphis and Murfreesboro is $1,200 (0.92%). Memphis's median is -3.82% compared to the US national median of $137,334.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $77,597,Murfreesboro spans $126,960. Murfreesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$106,352
P25$113,920
Median$132,087
P75$163,671
P90 (Top)$183,949
Murfreesboro
P10 (Entry)$75,915
P25$101,585
Median$130,887
P75$167,535
P90 (Top)$202,875

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($143,294 effective) pays 0.50% more than Murfreesboro ($142,578 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $132,087
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $143,294
Murfreesboro
Nominal: $130,887
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $142,578

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 ($132,087/year)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,294)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Murfreesboro if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($202,875)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Memphis grew 43.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+43.2%

$87,390 (2019) → $125,130 (2025)

Murfreesboro, TN

+28.4%

$96,540 (2024) → $123,993 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinarians more: Memphis or Murfreesboro?

Memphis has a higher median veterinarian salary at $132,087/year, compared to Murfreesboro at $130,887/year — a difference of $1,200 (0.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Murfreesboro?

Memphis veterinarians earn $63.50/hr while Murfreesboro hygienists earn $62.92/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Murfreesboro as a veterinarian?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Murfreesboro. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $143,294, Murfreesboro = $142,578), job availability (310 vs 29 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Memphis vs Murfreesboro?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinarians earn $106,352 in Memphis and $75,915 in Murfreesboro. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM

Career Analyst

Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Samuel Patel, DVMData verified by Dr. Maria Gomez, DVM

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov