Tennessee ranks 29th of 51 states and D.C. for software developers pay, trailing top-paying California ($170,910) by $53,570 — a 46% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $72,140 to $164,420 — a $92,280 spread, 30% tighter than the national $131,600 range.
Software Developers are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.53 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.89× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $72,140 | $34.68 |
| 25th percentile | $95,060 | $45.70 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $117,340 | $56.41 |
| 75th percentile | $134,890 | $64.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $164,420 | $79.05 |
| Mean (average) | $117,940 | $56.70 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $117,340 | n/a |
| California | $170,910 | +46% |
| Washington | $166,910 | +42% |
| New York | $161,260 | +37% |
| Massachusetts | $150,520 | +28% |
| Maryland | $137,890 | +18% |
| District of Columbia | $136,040 | +16% |
| Oregon | $135,260 | +15% |
| Delaware | $135,160 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Managers | $116,340 | 860 |
| Computer Network Architects | $115,930 | 4,320 |
| Commercial Pilots | $119,330 | 1,020 |
| Physician Assistants | $113,990 | 2,380 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,430 | 790 |
| Electrical Engineers | $109,870 | 2,570 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developers salary in Tennessee?
The mean software developers salary in Tennessee is $117,940 per year. The median (middle) salary is $117,340 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Software Developers in Tennessee?
Entry-level software developerss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $72,140 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $95,060 per year.
What is the highest Software Developers salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $164,420 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $134,890 per year.
How does the Tennessee Software Developers salary compare to the national average?
The median software developers salary in Tennessee is $117,340, which is -12% below national average of $133,080.