Childcare Worker Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Childcare Workers in Tennessee earn an average of $31,588 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +6.4% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$31,588
per year
Hourly Rate
$15.18
per hour
vs National
-6.4%
$33,750 national
Salary Range
$20,278
to $46,535
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$31,588
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$33,966
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Childcare Worker's salary of $31,588 has the purchasing power of $33,966 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Childcare Worker Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $32,978 | $15.85/hr | $21,512 | $48,601 | 938 |
| Memphis, TN | $30,197 | $14.52/hr | $19,044 | $44,468 | 891 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Childcare Worker Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 1,829 Childcare Workers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Childcare Worker Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$20,278
Starting salary for new Childcare Workers
Median (50th Percentile)
$31,588
Mid-career Childcare Worker salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$46,535
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Instructional Coordinator
$69,132
avg in TN
+$37,544 vs Childcare Worker
Special Education Teacher
$60,622
avg in TN
+$29,034 vs Childcare Worker
Secondary School Teacher
$60,134
avg in TN
+$28,546 vs Childcare Worker
Elementary School Teacher
$58,865
avg in TN
+$27,277 vs Childcare Worker
Preschool Teacher
$34,894
avg in TN
+$3,306 vs Childcare Worker
Childcare Worker Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Childcare Worker salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Childcare Worker salary in Tennessee?
The average Childcare Worker salary in Tennessee is $31,588 per year ($15.18/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 6.4% below the national average of $33,750.
What is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Childcare Workers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $32,978 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $30,197.
What is the salary range for Childcare Workers in Tennessee?
Childcare Worker salaries in Tennessee range from $20,278 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $46,535 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $31,588 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.