Cookeville vs Memphis: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Cookeville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,902 | $102,460▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.63 | $49.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,515▲ | $72,993 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,861 | $82,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,965 | $113,977▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,522 | $129,192▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 800▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Memphis is $7,558 (7.96%). Memphis's median is -2.69% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $45,007,Memphis spans $56,199. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($111,153 effective) pays 7.52% more than Cookeville ($103,379 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,192)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,153)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Cookeville grew 15.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$80,248 (2024) → $92,623 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$89,490 (2019) → $100,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Cookeville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Memphis as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Cookeville vs Memphis?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov