Nashville vs Knoxville: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,450▲ | $40,352 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.29▲ | $19.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,781▲ | $37,094 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,679▲ | $38,686 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,889▲ | $49,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,477▲ | $52,520 |
| Total Employed | 3,340▲ | 1,500 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Knoxville is $8,098 (20.07%). Nashville's median is +0.44% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $25,696,Knoxville spans $15,426. Nashville 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, Nashville ($50,292 effective) pays 15.37% more than Knoxville ($43,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,450/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,477)
- ✓Larger job market (3,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,292)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Nashville grew 44.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$31,720 (2019) → $45,950 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$29,400 (2019) → $38,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Nashville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Knoxville as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Nashville vs Knoxville?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov