Elementary School Teacher Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Elementary School Teachers in Tennessee earn an average of $58,865 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$58,865
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.30
per hour
vs National
-7.5%
$63,670 national
Salary Range
$38,895
to $84,641
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$58,865
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$63,296
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Elementary School Teacher's salary of $58,865 has the purchasing power of $63,296 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Elementary School Teacher Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $61,169 | $29.41/hr | $40,143 | $88,930 | 1,346 |
| Memphis, TN | $56,561 | $27.19/hr | $37,647 | $80,352 | 1,400 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Elementary School Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 2,746 Elementary School Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Elementary School Teacher Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$38,895
Starting salary for new Elementary School Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$58,865
Mid-career Elementary School Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$84,641
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Business Professor
$96,206
avg in TN
+$37,341 vs Elementary School Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$69,132
avg in TN
+$10,267 vs Elementary School Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$60,622
avg in TN
+$1,757 vs Elementary School Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$60,134
avg in TN
+$1,269 vs Elementary School Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$34,894
avg in TN
-$23,971 vs Elementary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Elementary School Teacher salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Elementary School Teacher Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Elementary School Teacher salary in Tennessee?
The average Elementary School Teacher salary in Tennessee is $58,865 per year ($28.30/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.5% below the national average of $63,670.
What is the highest paying city for Elementary School Teachers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Elementary School Teachers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $61,169 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $56,561.
What is the salary range for Elementary School Teachers in Tennessee?
Elementary School Teacher salaries in Tennessee range from $38,895 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $84,641 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $58,865 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.