Tennessee ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, middle school pay, trailing top-paying California ($99,270) by $43,760 — a 79% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $46,840 to $70,230 — a $23,390 spread, 57% tighter than the national $54,660 range.
Special Education Teachers, Middle School 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) | $46,840 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $48,970 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,510 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $61,950 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,230 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $56,400 | N/A |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $55,510 | n/a |
| California | $99,270 | +79% |
| Washington | $95,440 | +72% |
| New York | $91,280 | +64% |
| Rhode Island | $89,840 | +62% |
| Massachusetts | $85,020 | +53% |
| Connecticut | $83,010 | +50% |
| Oregon | $78,360 | +41% |
| Alaska | $78,000 | +41% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $55,610 | 63,130 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $55,270 | 5,890 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $55,750 | 1,320 |
| Health Education Specialists | $55,970 | 870 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $56,200 | 3,000 |
| Surgical Technologists | $56,370 | 2,470 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Tennessee?
The mean special education teachers, middle school salary in Tennessee is $56,400 per year. The median (middle) salary is $55,510 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in Tennessee?
Entry-level special education teachers, middle schools (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $46,840 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,970 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $70,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,950 per year.
How does the Tennessee Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, middle school salary in Tennessee is $55,510, which is -14% below national average of $64,880.