Memphis vs Oak Ridge: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Memphis, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,427 | $55,845▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.68 | $26.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,639 | $33,237▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,631▲ | $41,482 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,051▲ | $71,481 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,914▲ | $86,559 |
| Total Employed | 1,130▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Memphis and Oak Ridge are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Memphis and Oak Ridge is $2,418 (4.53%). Oak Ridge's median is -13.45% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $100,275,Oak Ridge spans $53,322. Memphis 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, Oak Ridge ($60,833 effective) pays 4.96% more than Memphis ($57,960 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,914)
- ✓Larger job market (1,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,845/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,833)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Memphis grew 1.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$50,780 (2019) → $51,570 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$49,538 (2024) → $53,904 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Memphis or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Oak Ridge as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Memphis vs Oak Ridge?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov