Librarian Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a librarian make in Tennessee? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $59,710/yr ($28.71/hr), with around 2,590 people working in this field statewide.
Librarian salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $4,279. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's economy continues to add librarian jobs as population and businesses grow.
Tennessee Librarian Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Librarian Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $59,710.
Librarian Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Librarian Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Datalibrarians pay in Tennessee has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the librarian workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's public libraries and education.
Librarian Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $66,300 | $31.88 | +11.0% | 906 |
| Memphis | $63,300 | $30.43 | +6.0% | 725 |
| Knoxville | $61,500 | $29.57 | +3.0% | 466 |
| Chattanooga | $57,300 | $27.55 | -4.0% | 233 |
| Clarksville | $54,350 | $26.13 | -9.0% | 155 |
| Murfreesboro | $51,950 | $24.98 | -13.0% | 103 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest librarian salaries in Tennessee at $66,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for librarians.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Librarian Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for librarians in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's economy continues to add librarian jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a Librarian in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Tennessee typically adds $49,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays librarians $66,300/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Librarians who specialise in public libraries and education typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays librarians $63,460/yr — 6.3% vs Tennessee.
Find Librarian Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current librarian job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Librarian jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Librarian jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Librarian jobs — Nashville, TN→