Skip to content
AffordMap
Construction & Trades · Tennessee

How to Become a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Tennessee

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators in Tennessee earn a median salary of $48,690/year, which is 6% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators takes home approximately $2,018/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.

$49K
Median salary in Tennessee
-6%
vs. national average
None
State income tax
1,550
Employed in Tennessee

What a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators can afford in Tennessee

Gross annual salary$48,690
Est. monthly take-home (no state tax)$3,430/mo
Median 2BR rent (Tennessee)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home41.2% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$48,690/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$2,018/mo

Becoming a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee

1

Meet education requirements

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification

Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operatorss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Tennessee

Tennessee employs 1,550 paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Clarksville.

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary by metro area in Tennessee

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin$50K$23.88/hr570
Clarksville$49K$23.57/hr50
Memphis$49K$23.47/hr170
Chattanooga$48K$23.12/hr50
Johnson City$46K$22.11/hr40
Knoxville$45K$21.71/hr240
Kingsport-Bristol$40K$19.33/hr40

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators salary range in Tennessee

10th percentile (entry)
$34K
25th percentile
$41K
Median (50th)
$49K
75th percentile
$56K
90th percentile (senior)
$63K
View jobs for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
More openings for Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Currently hiring in Tennessee
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators salary breakdown in Tennessee
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Tennessee
No state income tax!
Calculate →
Compare Tennessee cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators make in Tennessee?

The median paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators salary in Tennessee is $48,690 per year ($23.41/hr). This is 6% below the national median of $51,650. Salaries range from $34,450 to $62,810.

What are the requirements to become a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee?

Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators afford to live in Tennessee?

At the median salary of $48,690, a paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,430/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 41.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee?

The highest paying metro areas for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($49,670), Clarksville ($49,020), Memphis ($48,810). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Tennessee have state income tax for paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators?

No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.