EducationUpdated Q1 2025No state income tax

University Professor Salary
in Memphis, TN

Teach university courses, conduct research, and publish academic scholarship. Median salary in Memphis: $79K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$79K
per year
Take-home: $56K

Salary range in Memphis

Entry level (25th)$57,000
Median (50th)$79,000
Senior (75th)$114,000
Top earner (90th)$167,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Memphis, Tennessee.

Key facts for Memphis

Median salary
$79K
annual
Take-home pay
$56K
after fed/state tax
COL index
82
100 = US avg
State income tax
None
Texas advantage!
Avg 1BR rent
$1,000
per month
YoY growth
+2.1%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Memphis University Professor to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $86K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Memphis

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
University Professor salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$66K$71K$76K$81K$86K201920212023202520272029
2026
$80K
projected
2027
$82K
projected
2028
$83K
projected
2029
$85K
projected
2030
$86K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$82,000+$3,000
2028 projected$83,000+$4,000
2029 projected$85,000+$6,000
2030 projected$86,000+$7,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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University Professor Salary in Memphis, Tennessee: Complete Guide (2026)

The median University Professor salary in Memphis, TN is $79,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Memphis–TN metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for University Professor in Memphis

Entry-level University Professors in Memphis with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $57,000 and $79,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $79,000 to $114,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $114,000 to $167,000 or more.

Cost of living in Memphis for University Professors

Memphis has a cost of living index of 82 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 18% further in Memphis than the national average. Crucially, Tennessee has no state income tax — giving Memphis-based University Professors an immediate 3–5% take-home pay advantage over workers in states like California (9.3%) or New York (6.85%).

Education requirements for University Professor

PhD in relevant field required. 30% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

University Professor salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Memphis (current)$79K82
Nashville102
Knoxville85
Chattanooga88
Clarksville82