Tennessee ranks 44th of 51 states and D.C. for kindergarten teachers, except special education pay, trailing top-paying Rhode Island ($86,390) by $35,980 — a 71% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $44,760 to $65,980 — a $21,220 spread, 60% tighter than the national $53,610 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.5% of all kindergarten teachers, except special education in the country (2,880 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,760 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $48,260 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,410 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $60,730 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,980 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $54,650 | N/A |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $50,410 | n/a |
| Rhode Island | $86,390 | +71% |
| California | $84,550 | +68% |
| Washington | $84,500 | +68% |
| Connecticut | $83,920 | +66% |
| Massachusetts | $82,440 | +64% |
| District of Columbia | $75,210 | +49% |
| New York | $75,110 | +49% |
| Oregon | $74,620 | +48% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | $50,670 | 3,290 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $50,140 | 6,850 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $50,140 | 3,240 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $50,760 | 3,090 |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,030 | 1,740 |
| Editors | $51,060 | 960 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Tennessee?
The mean kindergarten teachers, except special education salary in Tennessee is $54,650 per year. The median (middle) salary is $50,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Tennessee?
Entry-level kindergarten teachers, except special educations (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $44,760 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,260 per year.
What is the highest Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $65,980 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,730 per year.
How does the Tennessee Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary compare to the national average?
The median kindergarten teachers, except special education salary in Tennessee is $50,410, which is -18% below national average of $61,430.