Chief Executive Officer Salary in Tennessee
Based on 5K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$198,830
$95.59/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-6.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $475K
5K employed in Tennessee
The median Chief Executive Officer salary in Tennessee is $198,830 annually, positioning it 6% below the national average. With approximately 4,700 individuals employed in this role across the state, understanding this salary range, which spans from $64,520 to $474,740, is crucial for both aspiring and established executives.
Several factors influence the Chief Executive Officer salary in Tennessee. These can include the size and profitability of the company, industry sector, years of experience, educational background, and specific responsibilities of the executive. Location within Tennessee and the company's overall financial performance also play a significant role in determining compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,520 |
| 25th percentile | $113,110 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $198,830 |
| 75th percentile | $307,390 |
| 90th percentile | $474,740 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $163,380 |
| 2023 | $171,940 |
| 2024 | $173,870 |
| 2025 | $198,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $210,760 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $163,380 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $171,940 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $173,870 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $198,830 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $210,760 | $225,376 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $113,110 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $198,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $307,390 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $474,740 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Chief Executive Officer ($198,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchasing Manager in TN | $137,060 | -31.1% | $65.89/hr |
| Marketing Manager in TN | $131,990 | -33.6% | $63.46/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in TN | $131,760 | -33.7% | $63.35/hr |
| Sales Manager in TN | $128,040 | -35.6% | $61.56/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in TN | $127,410 | -35.9% | $61.25/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in TN | $127,390 | -35.9% | $61.25/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in TN | $121,030 | -39.1% | $58.19/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in TN | $119,430 | -39.9% | $57.42/hr |
| Construction Manager in TN | $110,200 | -44.6% | $52.98/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in TN | $106,970 | -46.2% | $51.43/hr |
| Management Analyst in TN | $99,260 | -50.1% | $47.72/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in TN | $85,890 | -56.8% | $41.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee is $198,830 per year. This means that half of all CEOs in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. The hourly rate for this median salary is approximately $96.
How much can a CEO in Tennessee expect to earn?
- The salary range for a Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee is quite broad, stretching from $64,520 on the lower end to $474,740 on the higher end. This significant range reflects variations in experience, company size, industry, and location within the state.
Is the CEO salary in Tennessee higher or lower than the national average?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in Tennessee is 6.5% lower than the national average. While the median is $198,830 per year in Tennessee, the national median would be higher.
How many Chief Executive Officers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 4,700 Chief Executive Officers employed in Tennessee. This number represents the total workforce in this high-level executive role across the state.