College Professor Salary in Memphis, TN: $72,137 (2026)

College Professor Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median college professor salary of $72,137, which is $2,516 below the Tennessee state average of $74,653. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $72,137 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for college professors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for college professors in Memphis spans from $38,700 at the 10th percentile to $144,480 at the 90th percentile — a $105,780 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $41,280, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,600. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

College Professor Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level college professor earns around $41,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$41,280

$-6,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$73,960

$-12,040 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$137,600

$-22,400 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$38,700	$40,050	$45,000
25th Percentile	$51,600	$53,400	$60,000
Median (50th)	$72,137	$74,653	$83,880
75th Percentile	$103,200	$106,800	$120,000
90th Percentile	$144,480	$149,520	$168,000

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$38,700

25th Percentile

$51,600

Median (50th)

$72,137

75th Percentile

$103,200

90th Percentile

$144,480

How to Become a College Professor in Memphis

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Memphis

How much does a College Professor make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median college professor salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $72,137 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $38,700 (10th percentile) to $144,480 (90th percentile).

How much does a College Professor make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,137, a college professor in Memphis earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for college professor pay? ▼

Memphis's median college professor salary of $72,137 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $74,653. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $72,137 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Memphis? ▼

Most college professor positions in Memphis require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

College Professor Salary in Memphis, Tennessee