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Military Enlisted Salary in Memphis, TN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Memphis's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Memphis β€” Key Numbers

$34,440
Median Salary
$24,780
25th Percentile
$47,712
75th Percentile
$62,160
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-16.0%
Memphis median household income$50,200
vs. City household income-31.4%

Cost of Living in Memphis

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$908/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio31.6%
Annual rent cost$10,896
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary5.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Memphis

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,360,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
35.4
Median Age

Memphis has a metro population of 1,360,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Memphis, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Memphis is $34,440 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Memphis's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $24,780 (25th percentile) to $47,712 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $62,160.

Is Memphis affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $34,440 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Memphis would spend approximately 31.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($908/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $195,000 is 5.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Memphis's overall income?

Memphis's median household income is $50,200. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $34,440 earns 31.4% less than the typical Memphis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Memphis has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.