Johnson City vs Memphis: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Johnson City, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,296 | $62,181▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.62 | $29.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,755▲ | $39,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,308 | $49,334▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,366 | $78,306▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,672▲ | $86,690 |
| Total Employed | 270 | 2,770▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Memphis is $8,885 (16.67%). Memphis's median is -3.64% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $63,917,Memphis spans $47,200. Johnson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($67,457 effective) pays 11.29% more than Johnson City ($60,613 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,672)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,181/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,457)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Johnson City grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$38,360 (2019) → $52,190 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$49,490 (2019) → $60,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Johnson City or Memphis?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov