From Starting Pay to Career Growth: A Guide to Tennessee Teacher Salaries

Tennessee isn’t just home to Music City. Vibrant communities, a strong education system, and a commitment to academic excellence are also thriving in the hot chicken hotbed. So, how do teacher salaries stack up in The Volunteer State? 

Keep reading to discover why Tennessee is a great place to start or advance your teaching career, with insights on salary trends, career prospects, and how Moreland University supports educators as they navigate every stage of their teaching journey. 

Starting Teacher Salaries in Tennessee 

According to the National Education Association (NEA), the average starting salary for teachers in Tennessee is $42,164. While this is slightly below the national average, Tennessee’s lower cost of living gives educators an affordable and sustainable path to comfortably establish and advance their teaching careers. 

Average Teacher Salaries in Tennessee 

The average teacher salary in Tennessee is $55,369 per year, according to the same NEA data. Educators also get state-backed pension plans through the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), health insurance, and paid leave, giving them a comprehensive benefits package that few other professions receive. Many districts also offer tuition reimbursement for teachers to earn advanced degrees as well as stipends for professional development. 

Average Teacher Salary in Tennessee vs. National Averages 

Despite the state average of $55,369 per year ranking below the national average teacher salary, Tennessee is a more affordable and viable home for educators than it might initially seem. In addition to its low cost of living, teachers in Tennessee enjoy state-backed pensions, comprehensive health insurance, generous paid leave, and professional development opportunities, which school districts sometimes pay for. These factors, along with scheduled annual salary growth, contribute to making Tennessee a sustainable and rewarding place to build a long-term teaching career. 

It’s also important to remember that teachers typically receive a full year’s worth of salary for a 10-month work schedule, allowing them to pursue their passions, professional development, or even second jobs during their summer vacation. 

Variations in Average Teacher Salaries Across Tennessee 

Teacher salaries in Tennessee vary significantly by district, according to the state’s department of education. Oak Ridge Schools — about 25 miles west of downtown Knoxville — report the highest average teacher salary at $71,510, while Grundy County Schools in Middle Tennessee have the lowest, with an average salary of $48,077. There are several reasons for these differences, such as district funding, local tax revenue, and cost of living variations between rural and metropolitan areas. 

Factors Influencing Teacher Salaries in Tennessee  

Teacher salaries in Tennessee are determined by a handful of major factors, including: 

• Regional Differences: Local funding, cost of living, and district-specific policies are important contributors to Tennessee teacher salaries. There is usually more local tax revenue (along with a higher cost of living) in school districts that provide higher teacher salaries. These are often located in urban and suburban areas, while rural districts typically offer lower salaries. 

• Education & Certifications: Educators who hold advanced degrees or credentials — like a master’s degree or a National Board Certification — tend to earn more than their peers who only hold bachelor’s degree. 

• Experience Level: Like in most fields, experience matters when it comes to teachers and their salaries. As educators spend more time in the field, they earn yearly pay increases through district salary schedules. 

• High-Need Areas: Educators who focus on special education, middle grades, English as a Second Language (ESL), and world languages are in high demand in Tennessee. Some districts throughout the state offer financial incentives like signing bonuses, relocation assistance, loan forgiveness programs, and salary supplements to help attract and retain teachers in these areas. 

Advancing Beyond Average Teacher Salary in Tennessee

Tennessee teachers can earn more and enhance their careers in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common routes to advancement: 

• Earn Additional Certifications or Advanced Degrees: Many teachers choose to earn an advanced degree such as a master’s in education (M.Ed.), or pursue respected credentials like the National Board Certification.  

• Move into Leadership Roles: Transitioning into a leadership position like department head, instructional coach, or even administrator can help teachers earn higher salaries. Degrees like Moreland’s 100% online Master’s in Educational Leadership can help educators build the skills and confidence needed to make a successful leap into leadership. 

• Take on Extra Responsibilities: There are endless opportunities within buildings and school districts that teachers can explore to help supplement their salaries with stipends, including coaching, leading extracurricular activities, or mentoring less experienced teachers. 

Budget and Funding Factors on Tennessee Teacher Salaries  

Tennessee teacher salaries are largely shaped by state and local funding policies. Implemented in 2023-2024 school year, the Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA) formula allocates education funding based on student needs to help districts with economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and students with disabilities receive adequate funding and support student success. Local revenue from property and sales taxes also plays a significant role in determining district budgets, as areas with higher tax bases can usually offer higher teacher salaries in Tennessee than districts with lower tax revenues. 

Teacher pay is also influenced by federal grants and legislative policies. Title I funding helps low-income schools and sometimes allows for salary supplements while grants for special education, STEM, and ESL programs provide additional financial support for teachers in high-need subjects. 

Tennessee’s state legislation sets minimum salary levels for educators and recent bills have been signed to raise teachers’ base salary to $50,000 by 2026. Future education budgets and policy decisions will continue to influence teacher compensation across the state. 

Enhance Your Tennessee Teaching Salary with Moreland University  

Tennessee already offers excellent career advancement opportunities for educators and the future is even brighter. Whether you’re at the beginning of your teaching journey or an experienced educator looking to advance your career, Moreland is ready to help you succeed. Our 9-month teacher certification and 12-month master’s degree programs are offered 100% online to give you the flexibility and support to build new skills, grow your career, and increase your earning potential. 

When you’re ready to take the next step, complete your free application — it takes less than 15 minutes, and most applicants hear back within 2 business days! You can also request more information to hear back from our admissions team and discuss your questions and career goals.