Lawyer Salary in Memphis, TN: $116,736 (2026)

Lawyer Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median lawyer salary of $116,736, which is $4,073 below the Tennessee state average of $120,809. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 $116,736 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Memphis spans from $55,900 at the 10th percentile to $205,712 at the 90th percentile — a $149,812 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,200, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. 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.

Lawyer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level lawyer earns around $60,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$60,200

$-9,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$118,680

$-19,320 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$189,200

$-30,800 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$55,900	$57,850	$65,000
25th Percentile	$73,100	$75,650	$85,000
Median (50th)	$116,736	$120,809	$135,740
75th Percentile	$159,960	$165,540	$186,000
90th Percentile	$205,712	$212,888	$239,200

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$55,900

25th Percentile

$73,100

Median (50th)

$116,736

75th Percentile

$159,960

90th Percentile

$205,712

How to Become a Lawyer in Memphis

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer 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: Lawyer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Lawyer make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median lawyer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $116,736 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $55,900 (10th percentile) to $205,712 (90th percentile).

How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $116,736, a lawyer in Memphis earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Memphis's median lawyer salary of $116,736 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $120,809. 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 lawyer salary of $116,736 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most lawyer positions in Memphis require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.

Lawyer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee