Teacher Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Tennessee pays teachers a median wage of $52,690 per year — that's $25.33/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 28,880 teachers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Teacher salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $10,804. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for teachers.
Tennessee Teacher 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 Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $52,690.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Teacher Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataTeacher salaries in Tennessee have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $58,500 | $28.12 | +11.0% | 10,108 |
| Memphis | $55,850 | $26.85 | +6.0% | 8,086 |
| Knoxville | $54,250 | $26.08 | +3.0% | 5,198 |
| Chattanooga | $50,600 | $24.33 | -4.0% | 2,599 |
| Clarksville | $47,950 | $23.05 | -9.0% | 1,732 |
| Murfreesboro | $45,850 | $22.04 | -13.0% | 1,155 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest teacher salaries in Tennessee at $58,500/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 teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Teacher Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for teachers.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Tennessee typically adds $43,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays teachers $58,500/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. Teachers who specialise in public and private 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 teachers $57,980/yr — 10.0% vs Tennessee.
Find Teacher Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Nashville, TN→