Tennessee salaries by occupation
The median worker in Tennessee earned $46,120 a year in 2024, about $22.18 an hour, 6.8% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 668 occupations.
Median pay $46,120 $22.18 per hour
Vs national median -6.8% U.S. $49,500
Workers 3,274,390 wage and salary
Occupations reported 668 with at least 100 employed
What Tennessee is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistical Assistants | 8.04× | 1,010 | $51,150 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | 6.73× | 1,150 | $29,460 |
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 6.68× | 750 | $46,590 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | 5.71× | 1,480 | $45,080 |
| Cooks, All Other | 5.41× | 2,710 | $35,350 |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | 5.39× | 1,250 | $50,850 |
| Woodworkers, All Other | 4.68× | 660 | $33,330 |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | 4.6× | 950 | $79,990 |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4.38× | 1,280 | $43,930 |
| Production Workers, All Other | 4.23× | 24,870 | $38,210 |
Metro areas in Tennessee
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 10 Tennessee metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $48,840 | $23.48 | 1,096,500 | #109 |
| Memphis | $45,610 | $21.93 | 620,100 | #236 |
| Knoxville | $45,460 | $21.86 | 418,120 | #240 |
| Chattanooga | $45,440 | $21.85 | 269,330 | #241 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $43,800 | $21.06 | 117,550 | #299 |
| Jackson | $43,170 | $20.76 | 84,400 | #310 |
| Clarksville | $42,990 | $20.67 | 100,910 | #316 |
| Johnson City | $41,170 | $19.80 | 81,910 | #340 |
| Morristown | $40,320 | $19.39 | 48,040 | #351 |
| Cleveland | $39,650 | $19.06 | 44,770 | #358 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $229,050 | $110.12 | 2,520 | #7 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $203,400 | $97.79 | 2,360 | #19 of 25 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | $178,730 | $85.93 | 520 | #11 of 31 |
| Pediatricians, General | $176,150 | $84.69 | 910 | #33 of 37 |
| Chief Executives | $173,870 | $83.59 | 5,360 | #17 of 33 |
| Physicists | $173,660 | $83.49 | 260 | #8 of 26 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $171,280 | n/a | 190 | #1 of 22 |
| Psychiatrists | $166,470 | $80.03 | 300 | #9 of 10 |
| Dentists, General | $154,460 | $74.26 | 1,470 | #38 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $153,920 | $74.00 | 3,610 | #29 of 49 |
| Air Traffic Controllers | $153,670 | $73.88 | 610 | #11 of 36 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $149,990 | $72.11 | 11,720 | #27 of 49 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 111,240 | $37,910 | $18.22 |
| Retail Salespersons | 85,810 | $30,770 | $14.79 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 84,170 | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| Cashiers | 68,830 | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Registered Nurses | 67,990 | $79,030 | $38.00 |
| General and Operations Managers | 66,610 | $102,850 | $49.45 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 64,880 | $40,130 | $19.29 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 63,130 | $55,610 | $26.74 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 62,480 | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 59,290 | $42,680 | $20.52 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Tennessee
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 88
- Power Plant Operators $107,380
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $88,400
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $84,340
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $67,090
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $66,140
- Gas Plant Operators $64,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $63,140
- Tool and Die Makers $60,690
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $59,090
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $54,250
- Medical Appliance Technicians $52,130
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $50,790
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $50,760
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $49,810
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $49,260
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,780
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $48,710
- Machinists $48,610
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $48,330
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,060
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $47,910
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,340
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $47,280
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $47,100
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,590
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $46,560
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,400
- Etchers and Engravers $46,040
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,910
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,600
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,560
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $45,530
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,380
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,200
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $45,080
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $45,070
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $45,060
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $45,040
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $44,860
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $44,380
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,080
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $43,970
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,930
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $43,880
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,720
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,660
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $43,150
- Tire Builders $43,110
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $42,680
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $42,670
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $42,030
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $41,600
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,600
- Printing Press Operators $41,170
- Upholsterers $40,380
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $40,040
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $39,680
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $39,570
- Food Batchmakers $39,020
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,500
- Production Workers, All Other $38,210
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,170
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,090
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $37,630
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $37,490
- Helpers--Production Workers $37,340
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $36,950
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $36,610
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $36,560
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $36,260
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,000
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $35,620
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $35,620
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $35,430
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $35,300
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,090
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $34,510
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $34,410
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $34,340
- Woodworkers, All Other $33,330
- Bakers $33,280
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $32,500
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $32,320
- Sewing Machine Operators $32,250
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $31,520
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $31,370
- Furniture Finishers $31,170
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $30,400
Education and library 57
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $171,280
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $109,360
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $104,760
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $99,280
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $96,030
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $85,680
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $85,420
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $83,770
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $80,650
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,190
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $80,000
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $79,410
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $77,810
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $76,620
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $76,450
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $73,360
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $68,510
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $67,050
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $66,770
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $66,490
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $65,610
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $65,000
- Instructional Coordinators $64,840
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $64,570
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $64,490
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,480
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,320
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $62,920
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $61,820
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $61,780
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $61,080
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $60,810
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $60,810
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $60,780
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,330
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $59,850
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $59,710
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $59,660
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $59,590
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $59,460
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $58,580
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,170
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $55,510
- Curators $55,490
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $55,270
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $52,690
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $50,670
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $50,410
- Archivists $47,950
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $41,910
- Tutors $40,680
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $36,650
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $35,980
- Library Technicians $31,660
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $30,000
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $28,030
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $26,240
Healthcare practitioners 50
- Family Medicine Physicians $229,050
- Nurse Anesthetists $203,400
- Pediatricians, General $176,150
- Psychiatrists $166,470
- Dentists, General $154,460
- Pharmacists $131,290
- Medical Dosimetrists $130,360
- Veterinarians $125,420
- Physician Assistants $113,990
- Optometrists $110,660
- Nurse Practitioners $108,420
- Physical Therapists $100,660
- Nurse Midwives $97,380
- Occupational Therapists $96,030
- Audiologists $89,670
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $86,940
- Speech-Language Pathologists $82,990
- Dental Hygienists $81,810
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $81,270
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $80,470
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $79,480
- Chiropractors $79,240
- Registered Nurses $79,030
- Surgical Assistants $78,330
- Radiation Therapists $77,690
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $77,610
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $67,150
- Respiratory Therapists $65,000
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $63,940
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $63,940
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $62,630
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $62,360
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $57,760
- Surgical Technologists $56,370
- Hearing Aid Specialists $56,010
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $54,990
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $54,530
- Athletic Trainers $54,040
- Paramedics $52,860
- Exercise Physiologists $51,560
- Recreational Therapists $50,510
- Medical Records Specialists $49,740
- Opticians, Dispensing $47,850
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,000
- Therapists, All Other $45,800
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,720
- Pharmacy Technicians $38,130
- Psychiatric Technicians $37,970
- Emergency Medical Technicians $37,630
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $36,940
Office and administrative support 47
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $65,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $64,760
- Postal Service Clerks $63,270
- Brokerage Clerks $61,300
- Financial Clerks, All Other $59,990
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,030
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $54,370
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $51,580
- Statistical Assistants $51,150
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $50,140
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $49,660
- New Accounts Clerks $48,580
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $48,070
- Cargo and Freight Agents $47,950
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,100
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $46,740
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $46,540
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $46,160
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,140
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $45,730
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $45,570
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $44,920
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $44,680
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $44,280
- Billing and Posting Clerks $43,600
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $43,370
- Bill and Account Collectors $43,290
- File Clerks $41,970
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $40,400
- Customer Service Representatives $40,130
- Data Entry Keyers $39,670
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $39,170
- Order Clerks $38,890
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $38,630
- Meter Readers, Utilities $38,450
- Procurement Clerks $37,580
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,380
- Office Clerks, General $37,170
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $36,970
- Couriers and Messengers $36,690
- Tellers $36,400
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $35,390
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $34,580
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $33,970
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $33,280
- Library Assistants, Clerical $32,740
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $29,200
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $96,590
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $85,580
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $80,160
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $79,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $73,910
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $64,980
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $62,830
- Rail Car Repairers $62,350
- Medical Equipment Repairers $62,340
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $61,820
- Millwrights $61,390
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $59,420
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $59,380
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $59,120
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $58,960
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $58,870
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $58,560
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $56,960
- Avionics Technicians $52,370
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $52,080
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $51,550
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $51,480
- Mechanical Door Repairers $50,470
- Riggers $50,280
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,140
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,910
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $49,500
- Home Appliance Repairers $48,290
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $48,180
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $47,960
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $47,460
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $47,400
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $46,880
- Motorcycle Mechanics $46,830
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $46,130
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $45,760
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $45,110
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $44,060
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $42,710
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $40,980
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $36,240
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $36,230
- Tire Repairers and Changers $35,740
Construction and extraction 40
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters $102,060
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $97,150
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $71,840
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $65,080
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $63,440
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $61,290
- Construction and Building Inspectors $59,850
- Electricians $59,190
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $57,730
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $55,750
- Sheet Metal Workers $53,680
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $51,540
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $50,160
- Boilermakers $49,810
- Carpenters $49,520
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $49,070
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $48,690
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $47,110
- Highway Maintenance Workers $47,000
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $46,460
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $45,990
- Pipelayers $45,800
- Glaziers $45,610
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,170
- Rock Splitters, Quarry $44,970
- Roofers $44,780
- Construction Laborers $44,150
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $43,850
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $42,470
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $42,320
- Tile and Stone Setters $41,600
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $41,350
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $40,940
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $40,920
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $40,710
- Stonemasons $40,550
- Helpers--Carpenters $40,210
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $38,750
- Helpers--Electricians $38,720
- Fence Erectors $37,520
Transport and material moving 36
- Air Traffic Controllers $153,670
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $129,620
- Commercial Pilots $119,330
- Ship Engineers $101,230
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $91,880
- Locomotive Engineers $76,290
- Transportation Inspectors $74,450
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $63,800
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $61,890
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $57,250
- Crane and Tower Operators $56,530
- Aircraft Service Attendants $55,690
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $55,610
- Traffic Technicians $54,910
- Transportation Workers, All Other $50,850
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,220
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $48,140
- Airfield Operations Specialists $45,630
- Light Truck Drivers $43,680
- Driver/Sales Workers $41,200
- Bus Drivers, School $41,100
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $40,760
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $40,000
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $38,570
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $38,290
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,910
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $36,980
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $36,660
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $35,690
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,360
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,630
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $34,320
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $33,450
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $30,590
- Parking Attendants $30,490
- Passenger Attendants $26,720
Management 35
- Chief Executives $173,870
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $153,920
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $149,990
- Financial Managers $133,010
- Purchasing Managers $132,930
- Marketing Managers $130,260
- Sales Managers $127,060
- Administrative Services Managers $126,670
- Human Resources Managers $124,890
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $122,490
- Public Relations Managers $116,340
- Training and Development Managers $110,490
- Industrial Production Managers $106,360
- Medical and Health Services Managers $104,370
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $104,230
- Education Administrators, All Other $103,020
- Facilities Managers $102,900
- General and Operations Managers $102,850
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $100,040
- Construction Managers $99,790
- Fundraising Managers $95,980
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $95,470
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $94,920
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $89,470
- Managers, All Other $88,110
- Social and Community Service Managers $85,940
- Emergency Management Directors $78,720
- Funeral Home Managers $76,720
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $63,950
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $62,630
- Food Service Managers $61,000
- Lodging Managers $49,380
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $45,620
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $43,210
- Legislators $30,300
Architecture and engineering 31
- Aerospace Engineers $122,430
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $115,190
- Chemical Engineers $110,150
- Electrical Engineers $109,870
- Materials Engineers $108,670
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $105,390
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $103,020
- Computer Hardware Engineers $100,430
- Mechanical Engineers $99,330
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $98,980
- Industrial Engineers $98,230
- Engineers, All Other $97,990
- Civil Engineers $97,730
- Environmental Engineers $87,920
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $85,490
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $77,590
- Landscape Architects $74,990
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $74,990
- Surveyors $74,690
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $71,210
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $68,640
- Drafters, All Other $68,530
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $66,390
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $64,980
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $64,590
- Mechanical Drafters $64,180
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,050
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $61,920
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,700
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $50,440
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $48,320
Business and financial 30
- Management Analysts $97,410
- Personal Financial Advisors $89,390
- Financial and Investment Analysts $86,580
- Project Management Specialists $84,800
- Budget Analysts $83,740
- Financial Examiners $82,630
- Insurance Underwriters $79,190
- Financial Risk Specialists $77,720
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes $77,490
- Accountants and Auditors $75,500
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $74,960
- Cost Estimators $74,570
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $72,550
- Credit Analysts $66,980
- Labor Relations Specialists $66,640
- Financial Specialists, All Other $65,960
- Human Resources Specialists $65,200
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $64,720
- Compliance Officers $63,760
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $63,690
- Loan Officers $63,160
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $61,960
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $61,920
- Logisticians $61,440
- Training and Development Specialists $57,930
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $49,600
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $49,000
- Fundraisers $48,170
- Credit Counselors $44,300
- Tax Preparers $35,640
Life, physical and social science 30
- Physicists $173,660
- Psychologists, All Other $135,570
- Physical Scientists, All Other $113,730
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $109,800
- Epidemiologists $96,910
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $95,580
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $92,320
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $76,900
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $76,770
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $76,610
- Conservation Scientists $74,960
- Biological Scientists, All Other $72,550
- Microbiologists $71,140
- Forensic Science Technicians $70,500
- Foresters $69,180
- School Psychologists $68,530
- Urban and Regional Planners $67,790
- Chemists $65,340
- Soil and Plant Scientists $63,420
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $59,950
- Biological Technicians $58,520
- Survey Researchers $55,950
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $55,940
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $51,210
- Agricultural Technicians $51,170
- Chemical Technicians $51,030
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $51,010
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $47,520
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $47,370
- Social Science Research Assistants $37,860
Arts, design, entertainment and media 29
- Technical Writers $76,950
- Art Directors $75,820
- Sound Engineering Technicians $69,990
- Producers and Directors $63,410
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $59,990
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $59,030
- Interior Designers $58,730
- Writers and Authors $58,620
- Lighting Technicians $57,360
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $56,540
- Public Relations Specialists $56,200
- Film and Video Editors $52,600
- Graphic Designers $51,740
- Editors $51,060
- Designers, All Other $49,450
- Interpreters and Translators $49,270
- Audio and Video Technicians $48,010
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $47,580
- Broadcast Technicians $46,170
- Set and Exhibit Designers $45,840
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $41,010
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $40,120
- Coaches and Scouts $37,430
- Photographers $36,000
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,590
- Floral Designers $32,950
- Actors not reported
- Dancers not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Personal care and service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,410
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $44,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $44,510
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,010
- Animal Trainers $37,250
- Skincare Specialists $36,090
- Tour and Travel Guides $34,720
- Residential Advisors $32,090
- Recreation Workers $31,620
- Barbers $31,230
- Concierges $30,970
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $30,030
- Animal Caretakers $29,800
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $29,460
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,170
- Childcare Workers $29,030
- Funeral Attendants $28,840
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $28,000
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,310
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $26,310
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $26,160
Protective service 20
- Fish and Game Wardens $75,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $74,290
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $72,800
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $72,220
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $70,510
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $65,940
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $62,660
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $59,410
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $51,490
- Firefighters $47,300
- Private Detectives and Investigators $46,560
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $44,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $44,300
- Animal Control Workers $43,020
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $37,770
- Bailiffs $36,510
- Security Guards $36,090
- School Bus Monitors $27,650
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $27,140
Computing and mathematics 18
- Database Architects $128,440
- Actuaries $118,020
- Software Developers $117,340
- Computer Network Architects $115,930
- Data Scientists $104,700
- Database Administrators $101,640
- Information Security Analysts $100,990
- Computer Programmers $99,270
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $90,480
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $90,170
- Statisticians $88,760
- Computer Systems Analysts $82,430
- Operations Research Analysts $75,370
- Web Developers $74,950
- Computer Network Support Specialists $68,200
- Computer Occupations, All Other $65,370
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $61,590
- Computer User Support Specialists $54,420
Sales 18
- Sales Engineers $144,030
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $85,350
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $83,110
- Real Estate Brokers $66,670
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $60,740
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,820
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $57,730
- Insurance Sales Agents $49,130
- Travel Agents $48,990
- Advertising Sales Agents $48,080
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $44,720
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $36,870
- Parts Salespersons $34,740
- Counter and Rental Clerks $34,630
- Retail Salespersons $30,770
- Telemarketers $28,110
- Cashiers $27,860
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $27,200
Community and social service 17
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $69,410
- Healthcare Social Workers $61,910
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $59,090
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $58,010
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $56,390
- Health Education Specialists $55,970
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $52,210
- Social Workers, All Other $52,060
- Counselors, All Other $51,900
- Clergy $51,580
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $48,760
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $48,170
- Marriage and Family Therapists $45,660
- Rehabilitation Counselors $45,370
- Religious Workers, All Other $45,160
- Social and Human Service Assistants $38,710
- Community Health Workers $37,720
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $59,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,960
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,810
- Cooks, All Other $35,350
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,910
- Dishwashers $29,570
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $29,310
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $29,210
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $29,050
- Cooks, Short Order $29,000
- Food Preparation Workers $28,980
- Waiters and Waitresses $28,410
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,340
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,010
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $27,840
- Bartenders $22,660
Healthcare support 15
- Physical Therapist Assistants $62,920
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $62,060
- Massage Therapists $49,670
- Dental Assistants $46,090
- Medical Equipment Preparers $44,030
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $42,020
- Medical Transcriptionists $40,570
- Phlebotomists $38,440
- Medical Assistants $38,150
- Orderlies $37,600
- Nursing Assistants $36,750
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,440
- Pharmacy Aides $35,920
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $30,720
- Physical Therapist Aides $30,700
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $49,420
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $46,720
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $45,890
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $45,490
- Pest Control Workers $43,870
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,100
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $34,340
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $31,220
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $30,100
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $29,640
Farming, fishing and forestry 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $61,040
- Agricultural Inspectors $49,450
- Fallers $47,850
- Logging Equipment Operators $46,800
- Forest and Conservation Workers $40,320
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $39,980
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $35,990
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $34,350
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $31,200
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $30,000
Legal 7
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $178,730
- Lawyers $130,570
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $110,140
- Judicial Law Clerks $80,440
- Legal Support Workers, All Other $66,960
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants $55,270
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $48,020
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Tennessee?
The median across all occupations is $46,120 a year, or $22.18 an hour, covering 3,274,390 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Tennessee?
Family Medicine Physicians ($229,050), Nurse Anesthetists ($203,400), Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates ($178,730) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Tennessee employ the most people in?
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, with 111,240 employed at a median of $37,910. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Tennessee electricity averages 14.47¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.