What the numbers say
About 2,780 Project Management Specialists work in the Memphis metro, putting it among the mid-sized markets for this occupation in the South. The median annual wage in 2024 was $84,350, nearly identical to the Tennessee median of $84,800. Both figures sit roughly 16% below the US median of $100,946.
The gap between Memphis and the national figure is worth naming directly. It does not mean the local market is weak in absolute terms, but it does mean Memphis PMs earn noticeably less than peers in higher-cost metros. Whether that reflects the kinds of companies that hire project managers here, local cost structures, or both, the data alone does not say.
The spread within the metro tells its own story. The bottom 10% of earners made $49,310 in 2024, while the top 10% reached $135,840. Top earners make about 2.75 times what the lowest earners make. That is a wide range for a single occupation in one city, and it suggests experience, industry, and whether a role carries a PMP certification or similar credential matter considerably here.
The mean wage of $90,870 runs about $6,500 above the median. A smaller group of higher-paid specialists pulls the average up, so the median is the more reliable anchor for someone trying to gauge a typical offer.
Salary distribution
Where Memphis project management specialists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $67,290 and $108,580, with a median of $85,130.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
Less than 5 years
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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How the Memphis metro compares to other major Tennessee metro areas for project management specialists.
- Nashville$85,990
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Project Management Specialists in Memphis, Tennessee?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Project Management Specialists in the Memphis metropolitan area is $85,130.
- Does Memphis pay more than the Tennessee state average for Project Management Specialists?
- The Memphis metro median is -0.9% versus the Tennessee state median of $85,890.
- How does Memphis compare to the national median for Project Management Specialists?
- The Memphis metro median is -18.9% versus the BLS national figure of $104,968.
- What is the salary range for Project Management Specialists in Memphis?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $54,030 and the 90th-percentile at $133,960 for the Memphis metro area.
- What education is required for Project Management Specialists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Memphis CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.