Secondary School Teacher Salary in Tennessee
Based on 21K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$61,860
$29.74/hr
vs National Average
$70,424
-12.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $79K
21K employed in Tennessee
Exploring the Secondary School Teacher salary in Tennessee reveals a median annual income of $61,860. This figure sits 12% below the national average for this profession, with most teachers earning between $49,050 and $79,180. Currently, approximately 21,230 individuals are employed as secondary school teachers across the state.
Several factors can influence the Secondary School Teacher salary in Tennessee. These often include years of experience, the specific school district's budget and pay scale, advanced degrees or certifications held by the educator, and the subject matter they teach. Demand for certain specializations can also play a role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Secondary School Teacher in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,050 |
| 25th percentile | $52,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $61,860 |
| 75th percentile | $73,740 |
| 90th percentile | $79,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Secondary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Secondary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Secondary School Teachers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $77,330 | 2K |
| Educational Services | $72,170 | 1.1M |
| Administrative and Support Services | $63,290 | 550 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $57,880 | 1K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,750 | 870 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Secondary School Teacher in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $53,000 |
| 2023 | $60,880 |
| 2024 | $60,330 |
| 2025 | $61,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,429 |
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 | $53,000 | $63,868 |
| 2023 | $60,880 | $67,463 |
| 2024 | $60,330 | $67,394 |
| 2025 | $61,860 | $70,424 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,429 | $72,210 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $52,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $61,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $79,180 |
Secondary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Secondary School Teacher Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Secondary School Teacher ($61,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Secondary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in TN | $74,390 | +20.3% | $35.76/hr |
| Librarian in TN | $62,090 | +0.4% | $29.85/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in TN | $60,690 | -1.9% | $29.18/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | -3.0% | $28.84/hr |
| School Counselor in TN | $59,960 | -3.1% | $28.83/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -6.1% | $27.92/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | -37.4% | $18.62/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in TN | $62,280 | +0.7% | $29.94/hr |
| Electrician in TN | $61,090 | -1.2% | $29.37/hr |
| Loan Officer in TN | $62,800 | +1.5% | $30.19/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in TN | $60,900 | -1.6% | $29.28/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in TN | $63,510 | +2.7% | $30.53/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a secondary school teacher in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a secondary school teacher in Tennessee is $61,860 per year, which breaks down to about $30 per hour. This median figure is 12.2% lower than the national average for this profession.
What is the typical salary range for secondary school teachers in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, secondary school teachers typically earn between $49,050 and $79,180 annually. The median salary falls within this range at $61,860 per year.
How does a secondary school teacher's salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Secondary school teachers in Tennessee earn 12.2% less than the national average. The median salary in Tennessee is $61,860 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many secondary school teachers are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 21,230 secondary school teachers currently employed in Tennessee. These educators earn a median salary of $61,860 per year.