Tennessee ranks 46th of 50 states and D.C. for clergy pay, trailing top-paying California ($77,850) by $26,270 — a 51% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,630 to $74,000 — a $44,370 spread, 29% tighter than the national $62,580 range.
Clergy are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.64 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.56× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,630 | $14.24 |
| 25th percentile | $44,170 | $21.24 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,580 | $24.80 |
| 75th percentile | $61,700 | $29.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,000 | $35.58 |
| Mean (average) | $54,010 | $25.96 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $51,580 | n/a |
| California | $77,850 | +51% |
| Washington | $77,530 | +50% |
| Nevada | $70,150 | +36% |
| Massachusetts | $67,830 | +32% |
| Vermont | $66,860 | +30% |
| New Hampshire | $66,670 | +29% |
| Georgia | $65,510 | +27% |
| Minnesota | $65,350 | +27% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $51,490 | 7,610 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $51,480 | 10,510 |
| Graphic Designers | $51,740 | 4,190 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $52,060 | 1,940 |
| Editors | $51,060 | 960 |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,030 | 1,740 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Clergy salary in Tennessee?
The mean clergy salary in Tennessee is $54,010 per year. The median (middle) salary is $51,580 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Clergy in Tennessee?
Entry-level clergys (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $29,630 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $44,170 per year.
What is the highest Clergy salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $74,000 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,700 per year.
How does the Tennessee Clergy salary compare to the national average?
The median clergy salary in Tennessee is $51,580, which is -15% below national average of $60,820.