Elementary School Teacher Salary in Tennessee
Based on 28K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$59,980
$28.84/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-12.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $77K
28K employed in Tennessee
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in Tennessee is $59,980 per year, placing it 12% below the national average. This data reflects the earnings of approximately 28,240 educators across the state, with a typical salary range falling between $48,100 and $76,840 annually for this vital profession.
Several factors can influence an Elementary School Teacher salary in Tennessee. These include years of experience, the specific school district's funding and pay scales, advanced degrees or certifications held by the teacher, and even the cost of living in the particular Tennessee locality where they are employed.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,100 |
| 25th percentile | $50,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,980 |
| 75th percentile | $64,590 |
| 90th percentile | $76,840 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,170 |
| 2023 | $51,550 |
| 2024 | $52,690 |
| 2025 | $59,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,579 |
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 | $51,170 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $51,550 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $52,690 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $59,980 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,579 | $72,267 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,840 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Elementary School Teacher ($59,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in TN | $74,390 | +24.0% | $35.76/hr |
| Librarian in TN | $62,090 | +3.5% | $29.85/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in TN | $61,860 | +3.1% | $29.74/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in TN | $60,690 | +1.2% | $29.18/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | -0.0% | $28.83/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -3.2% | $27.92/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | -35.4% | $18.62/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in TN | $60,150 | +0.3% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | -0.7% | $28.63/hr |
| Police Officer in TN | $59,280 | -1.2% | $28.50/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in TN | $60,900 | +1.5% | $29.28/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | -1.9% | $28.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an elementary school teacher make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in Tennessee is $59,980 per year, which averages out to about $29 per hour. The salary range typically falls between $48,100 and $76,840 annually.
What is the average salary for elementary school teachers in Tennessee compared to the national average?
- Elementary school teachers in Tennessee earn approximately 12.0% less than the national average. The median salary in Tennessee is $59,980 annually, while the national median is higher.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 28,240 elementary school teachers employed in Tennessee. This indicates a significant number of teaching positions within the state's education system.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in Tennessee?
- The salary range for elementary school teachers in Tennessee is from $48,100 on the lower end to $76,840 on the higher end. This means that while the median salary is $59,980, individual earnings can vary significantly.