Tennessee Teacher Salary
Average and starting teacher pay in Tennessee for 2024-25, ranked among all states.
Tennessee teacher salary at a glance
In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Tennessee earned $61,222, according to NEA. That ranks 40th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $13,273 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $58,610, so pay changed by 4.5%.
New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Tennessee at $47,230, which ranks 26th of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.
| Tennessee | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary 2024-25 | $61,222 | $74,495 |
| Average salary 2023-24 | $58,610 | $71,985 |
| Starting salary 2024-25 | $47,230 | $48,112 |
| Average salary rank | 40 of 51 | |
| Starting salary rank | 26 of 51 |
States close to Tennessee in the ranking
Indiana (38th, $61,661), Kansas (39th, $61,470), North Dakota (41st, $60,704), Kentucky (42nd, $60,594). See all states ranked or compare Tennessee with another state.
Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average teacher salary in Tennessee?
NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $61,222 in Tennessee for 2024-25, which ranks 40th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).
What is the starting teacher salary in Tennessee?
NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $47,230 in Tennessee for 2024-25, ranking 26th of 51.
How does Tennessee compare with the national average?
The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Tennessee is $13,273 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Tennessee is $882 below.
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