Someone who is considering becoming a teacher in Tennessee may want to know what the average salaries are for Tennessee teachers. According to the National Education Association, the average salary for a Tennessee certified teacher during the 2011-2012 school year was $46,613. This number reflects a 1.6% increase from the previous year and a 21% increase since 2001. Salaries can vary considerably for those with teaching certification in Tennessee. Factors include the location of the school, the grade and subject taught, and the teacher’s level of experience. While the average annual salary offers a general figure of what one might expect to earn once they meet the teaching requirements in Tennessee, it is important to remember that individual districts pay above and below the state average.
The following chart from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compares average teacher salaries in Tennessee to the national averages.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in Tennessee | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $74,470 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,670 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $55,950 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $49,680 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,190 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $25,890 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $45,230 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $46,260 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $46,270 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $47,830 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $46,850 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $46,920 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $47,150 | $59,080 |
Teachers’ salaries in Tennessee will also vary depending on where teachers work. However, among Tennessee’s three largest metropolitan areas, the averages are similar.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Memphis, TN | $44,800 |
| Nashville, TN | $43,130 |
| Knoxville, TN | $43,770 |
Helpful Resources
- National Education Association – Rankings and Estimates: Rankings of the States 2011 and Estimates of School Statistics 2012
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – May 2011 OES State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates