Tennessee ranks 28th of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($90,530) by $29,450 — a 48% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,020 to $76,160 — a $28,140 spread, 47% tighter than the national $53,030 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 1.8% of all special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in the country (4,100 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,020 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $50,280 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,080 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $63,530 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,160 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $60,000 | N/A |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $61,080 | n/a |
| California | $90,530 | +48% |
| Washington | $85,340 | +40% |
| District of Columbia | $82,400 | +35% |
| Connecticut | $81,220 | +33% |
| New York | $80,750 | +32% |
| Massachusetts | $78,820 | +29% |
| Oregon | $78,320 | +28% |
| Rhode Island | $77,930 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Food Service Managers | $61,000 | 5,400 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $60,740 | 6,810 |
| Logisticians | $61,440 | 4,720 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $60,690 | 2,180 |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | $61,590 | 3,470 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $61,820 | 1,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Tennessee?
The mean special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Tennessee is $60,000 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,080 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in Tennessee?
Entry-level special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary schools (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $48,020 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $50,280 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $76,160 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $63,530 per year.
How does the Tennessee Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school salary in Tennessee is $61,080, which is -3% below national average of $63,000.