Clarksville vs Memphis: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Clarksville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clarksville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,751 | $125,947▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.45 | $60.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,206▲ | $97,844 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,099 | $108,434▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,705▲ | $132,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,239 | $153,503▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clarksville.
The salary gap between Clarksville and Memphis is $196 (0.16%). Memphis's median is -10.29% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clarksville spans $43,033,Memphis spans $55,659. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clarksville ($138,268 effective) pays 1.20% more than Memphis ($136,633 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clarksville if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,268)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,503)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Clarksville grew 15.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Clarksville, TN
$105,570 (2019) → $121,710 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$104,070 (2019) → $121,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clarksville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Clarksville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clarksville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Clarksville to Memphis as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Clarksville vs Memphis?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov