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Salaries in Tennessee: pay for 749 occupations, May 2025

Across all occupations, employees in Tennessee had a median pay of $47,380 a year ($22.78 an hour) in May 2025, with 3,278,760 jobs counted. That is 7% below the national median of $50,980.

Highest median pay in Tennessee

Occupations with the most jobs

All occupations in Tennessee, A to Z

OccupationMedian a yearMedian an hourJobs
Accountants and Auditors$76,840$36.9427,340
Actorsnot published$21.82370
Actuaries$108,930$52.37300
Acupuncturists$141,430$68.00not published
Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders$42,830$20.59260
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers$107,740$51.80380
Administrative Services Managers$127,410$61.258,170
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$60,340$29.01240
Advertising Sales Agents$40,910$19.671,820
Advertising and Promotions Managers$98,170$47.20not published
Aerospace Engineers$128,510$61.78610
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes$75,390$36.25730
Agricultural Equipment Operators$37,750$18.15390
Agricultural Inspectors$47,840$23.00410
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$128,270not published350
Agricultural Technicians$45,130$21.7060
Agricultural Workers, All Other$33,080$15.91240
Air Traffic Controllers$157,330$75.64590
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$53,560$25.75260
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$81,040$38.964,670
Aircraft Service Attendants$56,620$27.22580
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers$66,390$31.92130
Airfield Operations Specialists$40,180$19.32190
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers$143,580not published110
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$35,740$17.19460
Amusement and Recreation Attendants$28,690$13.794,820
Anesthesiologists$330,620$158.95840
Animal Caretakers$30,550$14.696,110
Animal Control Workers$42,970$20.66280
Animal Trainers$35,320$16.98310
Anthropologists and Archeologists$60,310$28.99160
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary$98,160not published80
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$62,140$29.8850
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$94,030$45.212,570
Architectural and Civil Drafters$69,220$33.281,310
Architectural and Engineering Managers$161,430$77.613,600
Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary$79,170not published80
Archivists$53,210$25.58110
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$75,060not published60
Art Directors$89,860$43.20930
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$72,030not published1,370
Artists and Related Workers, All Other$43,030$20.69not published
Athletes and Sports Competitorsnot publishednot published640
Athletic Trainers$59,850not published580
Atmospheric and Space Scientists$96,190$46.25230
Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$85,020not published120
Audio and Video Technicians$49,970$24.021,640
Audiologists$90,540$43.53270
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$48,010$23.08400
Automotive Body and Related Repairers$47,460$22.823,970
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$38,420$18.47270
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$50,290$24.1816,210
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$31,970$15.372,840
Avionics Technicians$60,820$29.24480
Baggage Porters and Bellhops$32,060$15.42570
Bailiffs$35,990$17.30100
Bakers$34,440$16.565,200
Barbers$24,690$11.87not published
Bartenders$27,480$13.2110,330
Bicycle Repairers$34,640$16.66not published
Bill and Account Collectors$40,920$19.683,890
Billing and Posting Clerks$46,330$22.277,990
Biochemists and Biophysicists$134,560$64.6960
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers$106,470$51.19170
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$78,940not published830
Biological Scientists, All Other$80,500$38.70420
Biological Technicians$50,840$24.441,240
Boilermakers$51,810$24.91180
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$48,180$23.1637,680
Brickmasons and Blockmasons$63,850$30.701,050
Bridge and Lock Tenders$60,420$29.0560
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$48,290$23.22970
Broadcast Technicians$47,340$22.76400
Brokerage Clerks$64,610$31.06370
Budget Analysts$86,570$41.621,140
Building Cleaning Workers, All Other$34,040$16.37220
Bus Drivers, School$44,510$21.407,050
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$47,770$22.971,970
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$59,190$28.465,720
Business Operations Specialists, All Other$78,690$37.8311,790
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$85,950not published1,260
Butchers and Meat Cutters$39,960$19.212,650
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$65,430$31.4611,420
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$46,440$22.331,570
Calibration Technologists and Technicians$71,660$34.45130
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film$57,030$27.42460
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers$44,940$21.61not published
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$132,710$63.80940
Cardiologists$610,080$293.31560
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$76,650$36.851,030
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School$61,950not published110
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,310$29.962,140
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$61,700not published2,940
Cargo and Freight Agents$51,800$24.913,390
Carpenters$50,830$24.448,200
Carpet Installers$74,510$35.8250
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$72,990$35.09150
Cashiers$28,590$13.7463,350
Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$47,910$23.043,920
Chefs and Head Cooks$69,810$33.563,820
Chemical Engineersnot publishednot published480
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$60,960$29.313,860
Chemical Plant and System Operators$45,830$22.03350
Chemical Technicians$54,840$26.361,470
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$79,150not published370
Chemists$87,930$42.27960
Chief Executives$198,830$95.594,700
Child, Family, and School Social Workers$56,310$27.077,870
Childcare Workers$29,660$14.2613,650
Chiropractors$83,990$40.38500
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$57,270$27.531,650
Civil Engineers$95,910$46.115,790
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$78,010$37.506,390
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$34,950$16.808,420
Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$41,110$19.77120
Clergy$57,260$27.53710
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$62,070$29.848,410
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$76,820$36.931,180
Coaches and Scouts$37,780not published6,250
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,210$22.703,880
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$46,280$22.251,460
Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$53,270$25.61160
Commercial Pilots$117,480not published1,030
Commercial and Industrial Designers$71,230$34.25750
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$66,630not published440
Community Health Workers$42,310$20.34520
Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$53,850$25.891,940
Compensation and Benefits Managers$132,780$63.84670
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$69,990$33.652,150
Compliance Officers$63,960$30.757,990
Computer Hardware Engineers$130,830$62.90not published
Computer Network Architects$123,860$59.554,330
Computer Network Support Specialists$77,640$37.332,660
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$49,980$24.031,980
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$69,700$33.51330
Computer Occupations, All Other$76,470$36.7710,930
Computer Programmersnot publishednot published920
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,600not published560
Computer Systems Analysts$95,630$45.9810,220
Computer User Support Specialists$55,990$26.9211,920
Computer and Information Research Scientists$108,830$52.32not published
Computer and Information Systems Managers$158,700$76.3012,040
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$42,330$20.351,110
Concierges$35,320$16.98460
Conservation Scientists$70,500$33.90250
Construction Laborers$45,000$21.6426,250
Construction Managers$110,200$52.985,860
Construction and Building Inspectors$59,870$28.792,500
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$57,010$27.41670
Conveyor Operators and Tenders$38,260$18.39760
Cooks, All Other$36,440$17.522,060
Cooks, Fast Food$28,330$13.6214,020
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$35,570$17.1010,680
Cooks, Restaurant$36,420$17.5128,220
Cooks, Short Order$30,210$14.522,510
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders$37,780$18.1650
Correctional Officers and Jailers$50,940$24.496,990
Correspondence Clerks$42,390$20.38100
Cost Estimators$75,650$36.374,340
Costume Attendants$45,220$21.7450
Counselors, All Other$51,900$24.95740
Counter and Rental Clerks$37,960$18.257,640
Couriers and Messengers$40,270$19.36not published
Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$44,720$21.503,050
Craft Artists$32,830$15.78not published
Crane and Tower Operators$59,410$28.56660
Credit Analysts$72,550$34.881,480
Credit Counselors$38,730$18.62950
Crematory Operators$35,880$17.25not published
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$62,090not published190
Crossing Guards and Flaggers$35,960$17.291,460
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$42,950$20.651,290
Curators$57,580$27.68190
Customer Service Representatives$42,830$20.5959,730
Cutters and Trimmers, Hand$27,030$13.00230
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$44,030$21.171,260
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,780$21.535,380
Dancersnot publishednot published150
Data Entry Keyers$40,490$19.472,360
Data Scientists$100,330$48.242,790
Database Administrators$115,500$55.532,020
Database Architects$115,170$55.37650
Demonstrators and Product Promoters$35,070$16.86430
Dental Assistants$46,720$22.467,420
Dental Hygienists$84,640$40.694,570
Dental Laboratory Technicians$48,880$23.50610
Dentists, General$215,290$103.512,200
Dermatologists$433,630$208.48100
Designers, All Other$72,450$34.83280
Desktop Publishers$44,440$21.3740
Detectives and Criminal Investigators$77,090$37.061,860
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$80,640$38.771,880
Dietetic Techniciansnot publishednot published230
Dietitians and Nutritionists$67,620$32.511,230
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$29,470$14.1711,330
Directors, Religious Activities and Education$61,940$29.78130
Disc Jockeys, Except Radionot published$21.75not published
Dishwashers$30,530$14.687,810
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$49,660$23.874,190
Drafters, All Othernot publishednot published320
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,070$21.67400
Driver/Sales Workers$42,220$20.309,620
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$47,510$22.841,150
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas$58,670$28.21450
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$104,560not published250
Economists$117,650$56.5680
Editors$59,550$28.631,390
Education Administrators, All Other$118,330$56.89720
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$97,590not published6,180
Education Administrators, Postsecondary$100,850$48.492,680
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$72,390not published950
Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$49,200$23.65710
Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$59,610$28.663,190
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$59,960$28.836,470
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers$36,240$17.42not published
Electrical Engineers$104,450$50.212,830
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$83,660$40.223,900
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$63,750$30.651,820
Electrical and Electronics Drafters$77,180$37.11340
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment$58,250$28.01340
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$61,560$29.601,700
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$96,840$46.56430
Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$42,230$20.301,980
Electricians$61,090$29.3717,070
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$64,720$31.12190
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$49,140$23.63210
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$122,920$59.10740
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$59,980not published28,240
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$100,490$48.31700
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$49,230$23.674,060
Embalmers$55,170$26.52180
Emergency Management Directors$81,800$39.33370
Emergency Medical Technicians$40,330$19.393,860
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers$46,810$22.50430
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$100,640not published790
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$58,700$28.22990
Engineers, All Other$96,640$46.464,400
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$64,220not published1,150
Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Othernot published$19.92280
Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other$29,890$14.371,230
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$70,530$33.91540
Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$80,100$38.51450
Environmental Engineers$97,190$46.73540
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary$98,560not published100
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$56,960$27.39320
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$76,840$36.941,230
Epidemiologists$97,310$46.78220
Etchers and Engravers$38,230$18.38300
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$49,500$23.80550
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$68,190$32.785,360
Exercise Physiologists$53,570$25.75140
Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$47,380$22.785,080
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters$74,190$35.6770
Extraction Workers, All Other$49,400$23.7570
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47,550$22.862,980
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$46,200$22.21320
Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$41,970$20.184,210
Facilities Managers$106,730$51.312,580
Fallers$47,560$22.8780
Family Medicine Physicians$226,830$109.052,260
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$47,830$23.001,030
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$31,020$14.911,080
Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals$33,720$16.21450
Fast Food and Counter Workers$27,470$13.2190,690
Fence Erectors$45,330$21.79550
Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$52,120$25.06590
File Clerks$43,010$20.682,060
Film and Video Editors$57,880$27.83560
Financial Clerks, All Other$47,060$22.62550
Financial Examiners$87,110$41.88500
Financial Managers$141,010$67.7917,630
Financial Risk Specialists$90,950$43.73540
Financial Specialists, All Other$69,240$33.292,420
Financial and Investment Analysts$92,990$44.714,910
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators$30,720$14.77100
Fire Inspectors and Investigators$63,400$30.48390
Firefighters$49,300$23.707,020
First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$74,470$35.8117,770
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$74,140$35.64740
First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$44,040$21.171,180
First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers$52,960$25.46170
First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$77,920$37.462,210
First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$40,500$19.4729,100
First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$46,800$22.503,510
First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$53,700$25.822,020
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$75,830$36.4615,070
First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$85,980$41.344,510
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$66,390$31.9249,870
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$46,510$22.361,980
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$74,770$35.954,430
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$65,310$31.4018,960
First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other$81,330$39.10240
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$47,880$23.0226,470
First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$50,830$24.441,850
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$61,160$29.4017,290
Fish and Game Wardens$75,930$36.51220
Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$49,900$23.99200
Floral Designers$36,220$17.41890
Food Batchmakers$42,610$20.492,920
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders$45,620$21.931,820
Food Preparation Workers$28,700$13.8019,780
Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$36,640$17.612,670
Food Processing Workers, All Other$42,690$20.521,910
Food Scientists and Technologists$81,760$39.3170
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$30,670$14.755,230
Food Service Managers$64,410$30.974,550
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$39,130$18.81350
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$76,350not published310
Forensic Science Technicians$70,500$33.90300
Forest and Conservation Technicians$47,940$23.05390
Forest and Conservation Workers$40,320$19.39210
Foresters$71,990$34.61120
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,810$21.061,140
Foundry Mold and Coremakers$37,310$17.94190
Fundraisers$61,370$29.511,930
Fundraising Managers$107,760$51.81300
Funeral Attendants$29,600$14.231,090
Funeral Home Managers$78,130$37.56430
Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders$44,710$21.49640
Furniture Finishers$32,160$15.46620
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators$45,350$21.80not published
Gas Plant Operators$66,560$32.00200
General Internal Medicine Physicians$232,220$111.641,370
General and Operations Managers$106,970$51.4363,720
Genetic Counselors$94,380$45.37340
Geography Teachers, Postsecondary$81,220not published80
Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians$63,050$30.31110
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$77,870$37.44230
Glaziers$48,610$23.37880
Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products$36,880$17.73640
Graphic Designers$57,270$27.543,880
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$33,830$16.2680
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44,710$21.501,340
Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other$39,980$19.22640
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$31,310$15.056,080
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$60,090$28.89570
Health Education Specialists$49,630$23.86490
Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$64,560$31.04580
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$98,870not published4,400
Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$49,180$23.651,110
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectorsnot publishednot published240
Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other$90,750$43.63300
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$63,400$30.481,650
Healthcare Social Workers$61,240$29.445,970
Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$47,940$23.051,230
Hearing Aid Specialists$78,270$37.63190
Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54,930$26.41670
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$55,490$26.689,740
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$58,620$28.1864,890
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$37,730$18.14310
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters$49,560$23.83200
Helpers--Carpenters$39,790$19.13440
Helpers--Electricians$39,710$19.093,240
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$38,490$18.512,540
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons$36,130$17.3740
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$44,550$21.421,100
Helpers--Production Workers$38,330$18.435,270
Helpers--Roofers$38,380$18.45160
Highway Maintenance Workers$46,070$22.152,280
Historians$71,080$34.1740
History Teachers, Postsecondary$72,940not published450
Hoist and Winch Operators$39,930$19.2040
Home Appliance Repairers$49,580$23.84690
Home Health and Personal Care Aides$32,130$15.4535,950
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$27,490$13.2211,280
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$30,160$14.506,930
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$45,760$22.003,930
Human Resources Managers$131,760$63.354,310
Human Resources Specialists$67,370$32.3921,460
Hydrologic Technicians$30,780$14.80not published
Hydrologistsnot publishednot published150
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$58,070$27.922,650
Industrial Engineers$99,080$47.647,440
Industrial Machinery Mechanics$65,010$31.2612,850
Industrial Production Managers$119,430$57.426,310
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$42,100$20.2420,070
Information Security Analysts$115,430$55.503,330
Information and Record Clerks, All Other$46,450$22.331,810
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$45,760$22.0017,140
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$48,200$23.173,730
Instructional Coordinators$74,390$35.774,120
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$48,410$23.281,160
Insulation Workers, Mechanical$46,380$22.30670
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$67,080$32.25420
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$45,720$21.985,470
Insurance Sales Agents$57,120$27.467,610
Insurance Underwriters$78,840$37.911,250
Interior Designers$63,660$30.611,530
Interpreters and Translators$51,080$24.56710
Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$39,340$18.911,660
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33,440$16.0838,120
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$48,240$23.19370
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates$208,350$100.17420
Judicial Law Clerks$75,190$36.15400
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$58,070not published2,740
Labor Relations Specialists$76,930$36.98560
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$38,160$18.35105,870
Landscape Architects$95,250$45.80260
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$37,020$17.8018,250
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$40,730$19.58700
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$33,220$15.975,730
Law Teachers, Postsecondarynot publishednot published160
Lawyers$136,180$65.479,010
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic$43,250$20.7940
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$45,340$21.802,980
Legal Support Workers, All Other$58,610$28.18not published
Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$62,090$29.852,540
Library Assistants, Clerical$37,410$17.981,110
Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary$76,940not published210
Library Technicians$36,400$17.50390
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$58,870$28.3120,830
Life Scientists, All Other$108,770$52.3040
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62,050$29.832,150
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$28,200$13.562,330
Light Truck Drivers$45,050$21.6633,710
Lighting Technicians$60,870$29.27280
Loan Interviewers and Clerks$45,230$21.743,990
Loan Officers$62,800$30.196,510
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$50,250$24.16340
Locomotive Engineers$81,410$39.14700
Lodging Managers$63,050$30.31610
Log Graders and Scalers$35,920$17.27110
Logging Equipment Operators$46,310$22.26400
Logisticians$71,280$34.274,990
Machine Feeders and Offbearers$40,400$19.42450
Machinists$49,600$23.858,270
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$78,610$37.791,350
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$30,850$14.8320,500
Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$35,610$17.12760
Maintenance Workers, Machinery$64,790$31.15800
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$47,240$22.7135,790
Management Analysts$99,260$47.7213,700
Managers, All Other$99,430$47.8017,510
Manicurists and Pedicurists$34,810$16.741,200
Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers$45,990$22.1190
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$69,790$33.5513,040
Marketing Managers$131,990$63.467,730
Marriage and Family Therapists$46,700$22.451,440
Massage Therapists$50,070$24.071,230
Material Moving Workers, All Other$37,530$18.04570
Materials Engineers$91,940$44.20330
Materials Scientists$69,010$33.1860
Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other$65,110$31.31not published
Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$76,240not published870
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$37,590$18.072,970
Mechanical Door Repairers$51,790$24.90370
Mechanical Drafters$63,390$30.48740
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62,270$29.94580
Mechanical Engineers$99,550$47.863,930
Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other$42,370$20.37100
Media and Communication Workers, All Other$45,670$21.96630
Medical Appliance Technicians$44,700$21.49370
Medical Assistants$39,570$19.0219,180
Medical Dosimetrists$135,530$65.1660
Medical Equipment Preparers$46,990$22.591,590
Medical Equipment Repairers$48,530$23.331,400
Medical Records Specialists$48,780$23.454,440
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$102,720$49.394,020
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$39,940$19.2041,810
Medical Transcriptionists$44,720$21.501,450
Medical and Health Services Managers$107,120$51.5014,160
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$52,000$25.003,260
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$46,500$22.362,220
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$34,500$16.594,710
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$36,770$17.68980
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$57,490$27.64730
Meter Readers, Utilities$45,210$21.74860
Microbiologists$77,630$37.32210
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$60,690not published13,060
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,710$21.021,170
Millwrights$61,810$29.721,060
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers$100,390$48.26not published
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$44,630$21.4658,760
Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$41,600$20.00440
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,840$23.001,610
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$61,880$29.752,600
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$45,860$22.05880
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$38,820$18.663,730
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$46,180$22.20550
Motion Picture Projectionists$22,750$10.9490
Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$33,550$16.132,310
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$49,120$23.62200
Motorboat Operators$42,360$20.3760
Motorcycle Mechanics$47,300$22.74320
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,630$20.97930
Museum Technicians and Conservators$44,710$21.49210
Music Directors and Composers$79,640$38.29400
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$58,730$28.24300
Musicians and Singersnot publishednot published1,860
Natural Sciences Managers$124,530$59.87880
Network and Computer Systems Administrators$88,100$42.365,070
Neurologists$229,670$110.42220
New Accounts Clerks$49,770$23.93420
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$62,390$29.99600
Nuclear Engineersnot publishednot published720
Nuclear Medicine Technologists$84,470$40.61390
Nuclear Technicians$91,980$44.22110
Nurse Anesthetists$211,450$101.661,690
Nurse Midwives$116,980$56.24330
Nurse Practitioners$117,590$56.5412,150
Nursing Assistants$37,990$18.2727,040
Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$80,050not published1,150
Obstetricians and Gynecologists$354,580$170.47360
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$81,190$39.032,690
Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$55,090$26.49310
Occupational Therapists$97,700$46.972,490
Occupational Therapy Aides$27,840$13.3940
Occupational Therapy Assistants$62,420$30.011,300
Office Clerks, General$38,860$18.6849,880
Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$40,740$19.59230
Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$41,570$19.985,000
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$52,000$25.0010,660
Operations Research Analysts$76,680$36.871,200
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$37,370$17.97130
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$38,890$18.701,760
Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric$231,040$111.08230
Opticians, Dispensing$49,840$23.961,530
Optometrists$134,170$64.51660
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeonsnot publishednot published50
Order Clerks$39,160$18.832,260
Orderlies$31,840$15.311,200
Orthodontists$339,610$163.28not published
Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$325,520$156.50180
Orthotists and Prosthetists$65,170$31.33250
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$46,060$22.151,200
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$43,190$20.777,400
Packers and Packagers, Hand$35,980$17.3014,030
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$43,230$20.783,040
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$35,540$17.09200
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,920$22.563,490
Paperhangers$46,010$22.1240
Paralegals and Legal Assistants$58,820$28.286,080
Paramedics$57,690$27.743,710
Parking Attendants$30,780$14.802,660
Parking Enforcement Workers$35,730$17.1840
Parts Salespersons$36,110$17.366,250
Passenger Attendants$27,380$13.17300
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$42,510$20.441,730
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$51,780$24.893,680
Pediatricians, General$176,210$84.72740
Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$32,070$15.42810
Personal Financial Advisors$84,160$40.463,970
Personal Service Managers, All Other$72,360$34.79170
Pest Control Workers$39,690$19.083,340
Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$47,340$22.76not published
Petroleum Engineersnot publishednot published70
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$96,730$46.50170
Pharmacists$133,390$64.138,250
Pharmacy Aides$30,170$14.501,150
Pharmacy Technicians$41,920$20.1511,870
Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$74,090not published490
Phlebotomists$38,550$18.533,520
Photographers$37,950$18.25780
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators$29,050$13.97110
Physical Scientists, All Other$129,570$62.29120
Physical Therapist Aides$30,320$14.58710
Physical Therapist Assistants$62,500$30.053,390
Physical Therapists$100,140$48.154,800
Physician Assistants$118,240$56.852,240
Physicians, All Other$301,290$144.855,340
Physicists$165,010$79.33240
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$80,630not published340
Pile Driver Operators$54,830$26.3630
Pipelayers$46,020$22.12810
Plant and System Operators, All Other$60,240$28.96150
Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$39,510$18.991,660
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$58,600$28.179,270
Podiatrists$212,470$102.1570
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$59,280$28.5015,630
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,330not published250
Postal Service Clerks$63,210$30.391,330
Postal Service Mail Carriers$58,570$28.167,310
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$56,390$27.112,850
Postmasters and Mail Superintendents$99,170$47.68260
Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$76,480not published2,410
Pourers and Casters, Metal$71,880$34.56120
Power Distributors and Dispatchers$79,910$38.42100
Power Plant Operators$115,920$55.73490
Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$82,090$39.471,150
Prepress Technicians and Workers$47,790$22.97640
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$34,280$16.485,420
Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$29,460$14.17410
Print Binding and Finishing Workers$36,960$17.77730
Printing Press Operators$43,160$20.753,510
Private Detectives and Investigators$49,360$23.73940
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$58,010$27.892,120
Procurement Clerks$38,710$18.613,900
Producers and Directors$73,020$35.112,920
Production Workers, All Other$40,130$19.2920,150
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$53,020$25.4912,740
Project Management Specialists$85,890$41.3020,780
Property Appraisers and Assessors$62,350$29.981,060
Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$64,870$31.194,310
Protective Service Workers, All Other$44,100$21.20830
Psychiatric Technicians$39,800$19.133,810
Psychiatrists$214,880$103.31410
Psychologists, All Other$138,070$66.38200
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$76,010not published790
Public Relations Managers$127,390$61.24700
Public Relations Specialists$60,900$29.283,380
Public Safety Telecommunicators$46,390$22.301,840
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers$52,120$25.0680
Purchasing Managers$137,060$65.891,460
Radiation Therapists$83,520$40.15350
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$49,140$23.62330
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$64,630$31.074,660
Rail Car Repairers$60,090$28.89320
Rail Transportation Workers, All Other$48,660$23.40110
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers$54,060$25.9960
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators$66,390$31.92260
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$71,740$34.49790
Real Estate Brokers$60,150$28.92540
Real Estate Sales Agents$46,250$22.242,360
Receptionists and Information Clerks$34,910$16.7911,460
Recreation Workers$33,580$16.143,420
Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$73,280not published220
Recreational Therapists$51,910$24.96150
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians$58,440$28.10430
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$43,270$20.802,550
Registered Nurses$81,500$39.1872,200
Rehabilitation Counselors$46,060$22.141,590
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers$57,920$27.84500
Religious Workers, All Other$43,980$21.14130
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$38,530$18.531,410
Residential Advisors$34,700$16.682,360
Respiratory Therapists$72,140$34.683,440
Retail Salespersons$31,950$15.3687,380
Riggers$47,180$22.68310
Rock Splitters, Quarry$48,160$23.16300
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$48,540$23.341,290
Roofers$45,690$21.972,110
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas$58,780$28.2640
Sailors and Marine Oilers$60,580$29.12870
Sales Engineers$111,580$53.64530
Sales Managers$128,040$61.5612,270
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$60,230$28.9621,600
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$61,630$29.6323,850
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$94,450$45.418,290
Sales and Related Workers, All Other$48,190$23.171,430
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$39,070$18.791,510
School Bus Monitors$27,250$13.10830
School Psychologists$76,850$36.95900
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$61,860not published21,230
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$45,810$22.0334,580
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$58,050$27.9111,370
Security Guards$36,000$17.3127,690
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$51,460$24.742,520
Self-Enrichment Teachers$38,730$18.623,530
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50,470$24.262,450
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$39,480$18.98550
Set and Exhibit Designersnot publishednot published230
Sewing Machine Operators$34,220$16.453,300
Shampooers$24,160$11.6140
Sheet Metal Workers$59,170$28.451,850
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$44,920$21.6016,680
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$52,520$25.25330
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$33,450$16.083,240
Signal and Track Switch Repairers$79,730$38.33190
Skincare Specialists$36,590$17.591,710
Slaughterers and Meat Packers$35,790$17.21650
Social Science Research Assistants$46,410$22.31140
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$71,680not published240
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$80,860$38.87320
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary$75,190not published240
Social Workers, All Other$51,460$24.741,910
Social and Community Service Managers$88,240$42.432,770
Social and Human Service Assistants$40,310$19.384,380
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$77,370not published190
Software Developers$122,430$58.8619,030
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$91,040$43.771,530
Soil and Plant Scientists$61,950$29.78370
Sound Engineering Technicians$60,500$29.09510
Special Education Teachers, All Other$63,300not published180
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$62,560not published3,910
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$60,000not published1,310
Special Education Teachers, Preschool$59,550not published330
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$61,360not published2,010
Special Effects Artists and Animators$83,080$39.9490
Speech-Language Pathologists$84,630$40.693,320
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$72,470$34.84370
Statistical Assistants$47,780$22.97390
Statisticians$98,230$47.23530
Stockers and Order Fillers$36,140$17.3860,130
Stonemasons$46,830$22.51140
Structural Iron and Steel Workers$56,750$27.291,240
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$50,460$24.262,260
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$49,580$23.849,040
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$29,500$14.187,690
Surgeons, All Other$373,510$179.57490
Surgical Assistants$81,640$39.25750
Surgical Technologists$60,530$29.103,310
Survey Researchers$66,900$32.16210
Surveying and Mapping Technicians$50,370$24.221,340
Surveyors$76,340$36.70920
Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$35,550$17.09680
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$38,650$18.58170
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$51,630$24.821,850
Tax Preparers$36,600$17.591,260
Teachers and Instructors, All Other$50,000not published660
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$29,210not published23,280
Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$36,950not published300
Technical Writers$79,550$38.24480
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$61,220$29.432,480
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$63,510$30.532,620
Telemarketers$29,470$14.172,210
Telephone Operatorsnot publishednot published150
Tellers$36,750$17.677,560
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders$37,410$17.99270
Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$36,710$17.65320
Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$33,550$16.13380
Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46,720$22.46470
Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$36,440$17.52360
Therapists, All Other$56,690$27.26210
Tile and Stone Setters$43,570$20.95350
Tire Builders$74,100$35.631,360
Tire Repairers and Changers$36,680$17.632,770
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers$50,240$24.161,160
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners$36,920$17.75200
Tool and Die Makers$60,760$29.212,930
Tour and Travel Guides$33,760$16.231,840
Traffic Technicians$44,970$21.62460
Training and Development Managers$121,030$58.19840
Training and Development Specialists$62,280$29.949,370
Transportation Inspectors$78,430$37.71420
Transportation Security Screeners$61,110$29.38840
Transportation Workers, All Other$46,280$22.251,330
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$100,740$48.434,910
Travel Agents$55,640$26.75540
Tree Trimmers and Pruners$47,350$22.76710
Tutors$50,280$24.173,310
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officialsnot publishednot published380
Upholsterers$38,020$18.28460
Urban and Regional Planners$78,970$37.97310
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$30,550$14.692,380
Veterinarians$124,350$59.781,730
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$36,320$17.463,530
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$42,810$20.581,640
Waiters and Waitresses$27,760$13.3552,120
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$50,670$24.363,140
Web Developers$74,760$35.941,620
Web and Digital Interface Designers$63,510$30.533,610
Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$47,330$22.761,040
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$48,040$23.1012,510
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47,180$22.681,950
Woodworkers, All Other$34,790$16.73930
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$35,290$16.971,840
Word Processors and Typists$49,750$23.9290
Writers and Authors$58,870$28.301,260
Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$73,570$35.37310

"Not published" means BLS did not release that figure for this state. "$239,200 or more" and "$115.00 or more" are the highest values BLS reports in state tables.

How pay is spread in Tennessee

By median pay, Tennessee is number 41 of the 54 states and territories in the figures. The lowest-paid tenth of employees earned less than $28,600 a year and the highest-paid tenth more than $103,130. The middle half, between the 25% and 75% lines, earned from $35,830 to $71,050. For the whole country those outer lines were $31,200 and $128,560. The average (mean) pay was $60,800, 28% above the median, because high earners lift an average more than a median. The 3,278,760 jobs counted here are 2.1% of all jobs in the national figures.

The kinds of work

Adding up the occupations with a published job count, the largest fields of work in Tennessee are Office and Administrative Support (421,480 jobs, 13%), Transportation and Material Moving (368,530 jobs, 11%), Food Preparation and Serving Related (301,650 jobs, 9%) and Sales and Related (278,180 jobs, 9%). Some occupations are far more common here than elsewhere. Set against their share of all jobs in the country, the most concentrated are Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other (8.3 times the national share), Woodworkers, All Other (8.0 times the national share) and Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (6.1 times the national share). The table on this page lists 749 occupations; for 16 of them the Bureau released a job count but no pay figure.

Same job, different pay

Among the 375 occupations with at least 1,000 jobs and a yearly median in the state, 22 pay more than the same occupation does nationally, 311 pay less and 42 are within 2%. The widest gaps above the national median are for Tire Builders ($74,100 here, $57,390 nationally), Dentists, General ($215,290 here, $170,950 nationally) and Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other ($82,090 here, $68,990 nationally). The widest gaps below it are for Web and Digital Interface Designers ($63,510 here, $104,000 nationally), Advertising Sales Agents ($40,910 here, $64,820 nationally) and Computer Occupations, All Other ($76,470 here, $116,580 nationally). A gap in pay is not a gap in living standard: prices, housing costs and taxes differ between states, and these statistics do not adjust for them.

Questions about pay in Tennessee

What is the median salary in Tennessee?

The median pay of all employees in Tennessee was $47,380 a year ($22.78 an hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The national median was $50,980.

What is the most common job in Tennessee?

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, with 105,870 jobs and a median pay of $38,160 a year.

What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?

The three highest medians published as a figure are Cardiologists ($610,080), Dermatologists ($433,630) and Surgeons, All Other ($373,510).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Checked in November 2026. Figures are for employees, before tax, and leave out overtime pay and benefits. They are official statistics, not advice or a pay offer; see bls.gov/oes for the original tables.

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