Lawyer Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax

Lawyers in Tennessee earn an average of $133,460 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +8.4% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$133,460

per year

Hourly Rate

$64.17

per hour

vs National

-8.4%

$145,760 national

Salary Range

$86,041

to $190,331

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$133,460

Cost of Living Index

93

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$143,505

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Lawyer's salary of $133,460 has the purchasing power of $143,505 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.

Lawyer Salary by City in Tennessee

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Nashville, TN$139,154$66.90/hr$88,895$198,949439
Memphis, TN$127,765$61.43/hr$83,187$181,713418

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Tennessee vs National Average

Lawyer Salary Comparison

Tennessee Average$133,460
National Average$145,760
Difference-$12,300 (-8.4%)

Employment in Tennessee

There are approximately 857 Lawyers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.

Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment

State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)

Lawyer Salary Range in Tennessee

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$86,041

Starting salary for new Lawyers

Median (50th Percentile)

$133,460

Mid-career Lawyer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$190,331

Top earners in the field

Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Lawyer salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Lawyer salary in Tennessee?

The average Lawyer salary in Tennessee is $133,460 per year ($64.17/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 8.4% below the national average of $145,760.

What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Tennessee?

Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $139,154 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $127,765.

What is the salary range for Lawyers in Tennessee?

Lawyer salaries in Tennessee range from $86,041 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $190,331 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $133,460 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.