As a new wave of graduates enters the workforce, Memphis is showing up strong on the national map when it comes to livable entry-level wages. According to a recent analysis by online lender NetCredit, more than 66% of advertised entry-level jobs in Memphis pay above the city’s hourly living wage of $21.54—placing the Bluff City in the upper tier of the 100 largest metro areas nationwide.
The report, which pulled data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator and Indeed.com job postings, looked at what percentage of entry-level roles in each metro area provide a wage sufficient to cover basic living expenses for a single adult without children. For Memphis, this means grads and job seekers are entering a workforce where the majority of opportunities provide a solid foundation for independence.
How Memphis Compares Regionally
Memphis ranked higher than nearby metros like Nashville, where just over 51% of entry-level roles pay a livable wage despite a higher wage threshold of $25.52 per hour. In Birmingham, 59% of roles crossed the livable wage line at $21.87 per hour. Little Rock outperformed most Southern cities with 78% of jobs meeting their local livable wage of $20.39.
These figures matter. As housing costs and inflation continue to shape the economic landscape, cities that provide accessible, sustainable employment for new workers are more likely to retain talent, support small businesses, and attract new residents.
The Housing Factor
Housing affordability played a major role in this national analysis. With rents and mortgage rates remaining elevated post-pandemic, many American workers face housing cost burdens—spending more than 30% of their income on rent and utilities. The MIT calculator also factors in everyday essentials like food, medical care, internet, transportation, and taxes.
Nationally, cities with sky-high living costs—like Honolulu, Miami, and Portland—struggled to offer livable entry-level jobs. In Honolulu, for example, only 27.7% of postings met the local livable wage, with housing cited as a primary barrier to hiring.
What This Means for Memphis
With cost-of-living pressures impacting decisions around where to live and work, Memphis’ balance of affordability and job accessibility gives the city a competitive edge. As communities across the U.S. experiment with rent control, zoning reform, and adaptive housing solutions, Memphis’ steady progress in economic opportunity—especially for those just entering the workforce—shows that the city is building a sustainable path forward.
This data reinforces what locals already know: Memphis is a place where dreams can take root, careers can begin with confidence, and growth is possible. As more grads look for cities that offer both affordability and opportunity, Memphis is proving itself ready to welcome them home.
