Elementary School Teacher salary in Tennessee
Elementary school teachers in Tennessee earn a median $59,980 a year, 6% below the national median of $63,970. That ranks #38 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $50,374.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 25-2021. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $59,980 | $4,998 | $2,307 | $28.84 |
| Average pay | $59,850 | $4,988 | $2,302 | $28.77 |
| Take-home (median) | $50,374 | $4,198 | $1,937 | $24.22 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $5,018 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $4,588 |
| Tennessee income tax | $0 |
| Take-home | $50,374 |
Tennessee's prices are 8% below the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $54,832 buys in an average-priced state. The Tennessee minimum wage is $7.25; the median elementary school teacher earns 4.0 times that.
Elementary School Teacher pay in Tennessee vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $59,980 | $50,374 | $54,832 |
| Alabama | $61,380 | $48,695 | $54,822 |
| Arkansas | $52,700 | $43,062 | $49,533 |
| Georgia | $72,290 | $56,827 | $59,015 |
| Kentucky | $60,610 | $48,876 | $54,211 |
| Mississippi | $49,790 | $40,927 | $47,068 |
| Missouri | $50,910 | $41,631 | $45,840 |
| North Carolina | $54,930 | $44,633 | $47,318 |
| Virginia | $65,550 | $51,894 | $51,328 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do elementary school teachers make in Tennessee?
- The median salary is $59,980 a year ($28.84 an hour), and the average is $59,850, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do elementary school teachers take home in Tennessee?
- About $50,374 a year after federal taxes, or $1,937 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do elementary school teachers earn more in Tennessee than the national average?
- Tennessee ranks #38 of 51 for median pay, 6% below the U.S. median of $63,970. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #24.