Mechanical Engineer Salary

Memphis vs Tullahoma: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Memphis, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$107,150
$51.51/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$92,278
$44.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$107,150$92,278
Hourly Rate$51.51$44.37
Entry Level (P10)$72,692$71,369
25th Percentile$84,230$75,281
75th Percentile$126,334$113,937
Top Earner (P90)$154,792$136,277
Total Employed3904
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($107,150) and Tullahoma ($92,278) mechanical engineer salaries.MemphisTullahomaMedian Salary$107,150$92,278Entry Level (P10)$72,692$71,369Top Earner (P90)$154,792$136,277US Median $107,150

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Memphis and Tullahoma is $14,872 (16.12%). Memphis's median is +0.00% compared to the US national median of $107,150.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $82,100,Tullahoma spans $64,908. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$72,692
P25$84,230
Median$107,150
P75$126,334
P90 (Top)$154,792
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$71,369
P25$75,281
Median$92,278
P75$113,937
P90 (Top)$136,277

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($116,241 effective) pays 15.64% more than Tullahoma ($100,521 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $107,150
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $116,241
Tullahoma
Nominal: $92,278
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $100,521

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 ($107,150/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,792)
  • Larger job market (390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,241)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Memphis grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.9% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+31.3%

$79,270 (2019) → $104,110 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+14.9%

$78,033 (2024) → $89,660 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Memphis or Tullahoma?

Memphis has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $107,150/year, compared to Tullahoma at $92,278/year — a difference of $14,872 (16.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Tullahoma?

Memphis mechanical engineers earn $51.51/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $44.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Tullahoma as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $116,241, Tullahoma = $100,521), job availability (390 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Memphis vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $72,692 in Memphis and $71,369 in Tullahoma. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Amina Patel, PE

Career Analyst

Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov