Lawyer Salary in Tennessee
Based on 9K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$136,180
$65.47/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+1.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $325K
9K employed in Tennessee
Exploring the Lawyer salary in Tennessee reveals a median annual income of $136,180, positioning the state 1% above the national average. With 9,010 legal professionals employed across Tennessee, the earning potential for lawyers here spans a broad spectrum, from $76,510 to an impressive $324,880.
Several factors influence a Lawyer salary in Tennessee. Experience level, specialization within the legal field, the size and type of firm, and geographical location within the state all play a significant role in determining an individual's compensation. These elements combine to create the diverse salary range observed for legal professionals in Tennessee.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,510 |
| 25th percentile | $98,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $136,180 |
| 75th percentile | $198,470 |
| 90th percentile | $324,880 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $117,440 |
| 2023 | $126,400 |
| 2024 | $130,570 |
| 2025 | $136,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,031 |
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 | $117,440 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $126,400 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $130,570 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $136,180 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $142,031 | $140,500 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $136,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $198,470 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $324,880 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Lawyer ($136,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in TN | $75,190 | -44.8% | $36.15/hr |
| Paralegal in TN | $58,820 | -56.8% | $28.28/hr |
| Title Examiner in TN | $50,240 | -63.1% | $24.15/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in TN | $137,060 | +0.6% | $65.89/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in TN | $134,560 | -1.2% | $64.69/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | -1.5% | $64.50/hr |
| Pharmacist in TN | $133,390 | -2.0% | $64.13/hr |
| Marketing Manager in TN | $131,990 | -3.1% | $63.46/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in TN | $131,760 | -3.2% | $63.35/hr |
| Financial Manager in TN | $141,010 | +3.5% | $67.79/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in TN | $130,830 | -3.9% | $62.90/hr |
| Airline Pilot in TN | $143,580 | +5.4% | $69.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Tennessee?
- The median salary for lawyers in Tennessee is $136,180 per year, which translates to approximately $65 per hour. This is slightly higher than the national average, with Tennessee lawyers earning 1.1% more.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Tennessee?
- The salary range for lawyers in Tennessee spans from $76,510 on the lower end to a high of $324,880 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, specialization, and location within the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 9,010 lawyers currently employed in Tennessee. This figure indicates a significant legal profession presence within the state.
Is the salary for lawyers in Tennessee higher than the national average?
- Yes, the median salary for lawyers in Tennessee is 1.1% higher than the national average. With a median annual income of $136,180, Tennessee offers a competitive earning potential for legal professionals.