Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary in Tennessee
The median pay for a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in Tennessee is $61,080/year, per BLS data. The range runs from $48K at the entry level to $76K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Tennessee. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $61K get you in Tennessee?
About special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Tennessee
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) start around $48K. Mid-career wages sit at $61K. Top earners bring in $76K or more, a $28K spread from bottom to top.
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary by metro in Tennessee
9 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $63K | +2% | 1,000 |
| Chattanooga | $62K | +2% | 560 |
| Memphis | $62K | +2% | 1,320 |
| Knoxville | $61K | -0% | 400 |
| Johnson City | $51K | -16% | 80 |
| Clarksville | $51K | -17% | 170 |
| Jackson | $50K | -17% | 90 |
| Cleveland | $49K | -21% | 60 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $48K | -21% | 160 |
Compare to other states
Track special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Tennessee numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools make in Tennessee?
The median is $61,080 a year, that works out to about $0 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $48,020, and experienced special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools can clear $76,160. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $61K enough to live in Tennessee?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,260/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,215/month, which eats 28.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary go in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary is worth about $68,033 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.