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State profile

Top Paying Jobs in Tennessee

Tennessee has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 343,280 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Cardiologists ($610,080), Dermatologists ($433,630), Surgeons, All Other ($373,510). The cost of living index is 89.78 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,215/month.

State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.

$149K
Avg. median salary
89.78
Cost of living index
$1,215
Median 2BR rent
10,353,784
Population

Highest paying careers in Tennessee

RankOccupationCategoryMedian salaryHourly
31Biochemists and BiophysicistsScience$135K$64.69/hr
32OptometristsHealthcare$134K$64.51/hr
33PharmacistsHealthcare$133K$64.13/hr
34Compensation and Benefits ManagersManagement$133K$63.84/hr
35Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water VesselsTransportation$133K$63.8/hr
36Marketing ManagersManagement$132K$63.46/hr
37Human Resources ManagersManagement$132K$63.35/hr
38Computer Hardware EngineersEngineering$131K$62.9/hr
39Physical Scientists, All OtherScience$130K$62.29/hr
40Aerospace EngineersEngineering$129K$61.78/hr

Affordability snapshot: Tennessee

These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.

Cost of living vs. national average-10.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,215/mo

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Metro areas in Tennessee

Click a metro for detailed salary, rent, and cost-of-living data specific to that area.

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