Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Tennessee
Based on 3K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$58,070
$27.92/hr
vs National Average
$64,160
-9.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $74K
3K employed in Tennessee
Understanding the Kindergarten Teacher salary in Tennessee reveals a median annual earning of $58,070. This figure falls within a broad range of $46,980 to $74,440, serving approximately 2,740 professionals. Notably, this median salary is 9% below the national average, offering important context for aspiring and current educators in the state.
Several factors can influence a Kindergarten Teacher salary in Tennessee. Experience levels, the specific school district or private institution, and the cost of living in different regions of the state all play a significant role. Further considerations might include specialized certifications or advanced degrees, which can impact earning potential for these educators.
Salary Distribution — Kindergarten Teacher in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,980 |
| 25th percentile | $49,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,070 |
| 75th percentile | $63,070 |
| 90th percentile | $74,440 |
Top-Paying Industries for Kindergarten Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Kindergarten Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Kindergarten Teachers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $64,890 | — |
| Educational Services | $62,780 | 107K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $51,910 | 210 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $46,920 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Kindergarten Teacher in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $49,650 |
| 2023 | $51,140 |
| 2024 | $50,410 |
| 2025 | $58,070 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,554 |
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 | $49,650 | $58,955 |
| 2023 | $51,140 | $62,216 |
| 2024 | $50,410 | $61,894 |
| 2025 | $58,070 | $64,160 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,554 | $68,010 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,070 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $74,440 |
Kindergarten Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Kindergarten Teacher Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Kindergarten Teacher ($58,070 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Kindergarten Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in TN | $74,390 | +28.1% | $35.76/hr |
| Librarian in TN | $62,090 | +6.9% | $29.85/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in TN | $61,860 | +6.5% | $29.74/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in TN | $60,690 | +4.5% | $29.18/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | +3.3% | $28.84/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | +3.3% | $28.83/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | -33.3% | $18.62/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in TN | $58,050 | -0.0% | $27.91/hr |
| Plumber in TN | $58,600 | +0.9% | $28.17/hr |
| Truck Driver in TN | $58,620 | +0.9% | $28.18/hr |
| Paralegal in TN | $58,820 | +1.3% | $28.28/hr |
| Graphic Designer in TN | $57,270 | -1.4% | $27.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kindergarten teacher make in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee is $58,070 per year, which averages to about $28 per hour. Most kindergarten teachers in the state earn between $46,980 and $74,440 annually.
What is the salary range for kindergarten teachers in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, kindergarten teachers can expect to earn within a range of $46,980 to $74,440 per year. This means that while some may earn less, a significant portion of teachers fall within this bracket.
Is the salary for kindergarten teachers in Tennessee lower than the national average?
- Yes, kindergarten teachers in Tennessee earn approximately 9.5% less than the national average. This puts the median salary at $58,070 per year compared to the national median.
How many kindergarten teachers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 2,740 kindergarten teachers currently employed in Tennessee. This figure represents the total number of professionals in this role across the state.