What is the average teacher salary in Tennessee?

The average public-school teacher salary in Tennessee is approximately $55,453 per year (source: Tennessee Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Tennessee teacher pay compare to the national average?

Tennessee teachers earn about 19% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Tennessee teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Tennessee districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Tennessee?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Tennessee.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Tennessee?

Yes. Almost every Tennessee district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

← Home

2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Tennessee

Tennessee teachers earn an average of $55,453 per year — 19% below the national average.

$55,453State Average

$38,000Entry-Level (BS)

#31National Rank

Browse Tennessee Teaching Jobs All Tennessee Job Categories

Tennessee Teacher Salary Overview

$38,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$55,453Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Tennessee teachers earn 19% less than the national average (-$13,016)

How Tennessee Teacher Salaries Work

Tennessee uses a state minimum salary schedule. Local districts add supplements. Williamson County, Brentwood (near Nashville), Germantown (near Memphis), and Shelby County are among the highest-paying. Rural Appalachian districts and west Tennessee counties often pay near the minimum.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Tennessee raised its minimum teacher salary to $38,000 in 2022. The state has a strong charter sector in Memphis and Nashville. The TEAM evaluation system ties performance to licensure advancement.

Top Hiring Districts in Tennessee

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Dayton657 open positions Wilson County141 open positions Bradley County70 open positions Paris42 open positions Mckenzie42 open positions Weakley County25 open positions Giles County23 open positions Crockett County21 open positions Cannon County21 open positions Germantown20 open positions

1,081 total open positions across Tennessee school districts.

Browse All Tennessee Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Tennessee ranks #31 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

Ready to Teach in Tennessee?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Tennessee teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Tennessee Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Tennessee — apply directly on district sites.

View Tennessee jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Tennessee Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Tennessee Department of Education.