Kingsport vs Memphis: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kingsport, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,421 | $116,990▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.80 | $56.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,018 | $80,329▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,860 | $95,151▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,169 | $137,098▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,331 | $177,687▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsport.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Memphis is $17,569 (17.67%). Memphis's median is -6.43% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $81,313,Memphis spans $97,358. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($126,916 effective) pays 10.35% more than Kingsport ($115,008 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,687)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,916)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kingsport grew 8.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$88,370 (2019) → $95,920 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$92,190 (2019) → $112,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kingsport or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Kingsport to Memphis as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kingsport vs Memphis?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov