Knoxville vs Murfreesboro: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,352 | $47,591▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.40 | $22.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,094 | $37,449▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,686 | $39,173▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,103 | $53,532▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,520 | $64,344▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Murfreesboro is $7,239 (17.94%). Murfreesboro's median is -1.34% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $15,426,Murfreesboro spans $26,895. Murfreesboro has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Murfreesboro ($51,842 effective) pays 18.93% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,591/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,344)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,842)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Knoxville grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$29,400 (2019) → $38,270 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$33,698 (2024) → $45,136 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Murfreesboro as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Knoxville vs Murfreesboro?
Related Comparisons
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