Preschool Teacher Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Preschool Teachers in Tennessee earn an average of $34,894 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +8.2% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$34,894
per year
Hourly Rate
$16.78
per hour
vs National
-8.2%
$38,000 national
Salary Range
$23,377
to $51,416
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$34,894
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$37,520
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Preschool Teacher's salary of $34,894 has the purchasing power of $37,520 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Preschool Teacher Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $37,326 | $17.95/hr | $25,101 | $55,630 | 536 |
| Memphis, TN | $32,461 | $15.61/hr | $21,652 | $47,201 | 598 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Preschool Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 1,134 Preschool Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Preschool Teacher Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$23,377
Starting salary for new Preschool Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$34,894
Mid-career Preschool Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$51,416
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Business Professor
$96,206
avg in TN
+$61,312 vs Preschool Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$69,132
avg in TN
+$34,238 vs Preschool Teacher
Special Education Teacher
$60,622
avg in TN
+$25,728 vs Preschool Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$60,134
avg in TN
+$25,240 vs Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$58,865
avg in TN
+$23,971 vs Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Preschool Teacher salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Preschool Teacher Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Preschool Teacher salary in Tennessee?
The average Preschool Teacher salary in Tennessee is $34,894 per year ($16.78/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 8.2% below the national average of $38,000.
What is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Preschool Teachers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $37,326 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $32,461.
What is the salary range for Preschool Teachers in Tennessee?
Preschool Teacher salaries in Tennessee range from $23,377 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $51,416 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $34,894 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.