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Public School Teacher · Tennessee

Teacher salary in Tennessee

Teachers in Tennessee earn a median $59,980 a year across all employers.

$59,980
median pay in TN, all employers
28,240
workers in TN (SOC 25-2021)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pay in Tennessee, all employers Sourced

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education (SOC 25-2021) in Tennessee, all employers combined: BLS state estimates do not separate government from private.

MeasureTN
Workers28,240
10th percentile$48,100
Median$59,980
90th percentile$76,840
National median, government employers$65,310

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Pension in Tennessee

Local employees: Public school teachers

PlanAccrualNormal retirementEmployee paysSocial Security
Hybrid Retirement Plan for State Employees and Teachers (with cost controls)
Hybrid Plan
1%Age 65 with 5 years of creditable service5%Not stated

The statewide plan a new hire usually joins. Some cities and counties run their own plans; check with the employer. Each plan's formula, vesting, cost-of-living adjustment and retiree health are on the Tennessee pension plans list.

Source: State retirement systems, Official state retirement system pages, member handbooks and statutes. Data captured October 2, 2026.

Employers in Tennessee

141 school districts in Tennessee, largest Alamo, Alcoa, Anderson County.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data, 2024–25 local education agency universe (directory and staff). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Free practice tests for Tennessee

Source: Open Exam Prep, Open Exam Prep free practice tests. Data captured October 1, 2026. Each link was opened and its exam title checked on the date shown.

More about this job

Requirements, hiring process, training, schedule and day-to-day work are on the national Public School Teacher page.

Public School Teacher in other states

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