Tennessee ranks 41st of 51 states and D.C. for special education teachers, secondary school pay, trailing top-paying California ($101,250) by $42,670 — a 73% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,460 to $70,030 — a $22,570 spread, 61% tighter than the national $58,120 range.
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School are less concentrated in Tennessee than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.57 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.75× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,460 | N/A |
| 25th percentile | $49,880 | N/A |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,580 | N/A |
| 75th percentile | $62,410 | N/A |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,030 | N/A |
| Mean (average) | $57,530 | N/A |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $58,580 | n/a |
| California | $101,250 | +73% |
| Washington | $97,820 | +67% |
| District of Columbia | $96,880 | +65% |
| New York | $91,830 | +57% |
| Rhode Island | $89,460 | +53% |
| Massachusetts | $82,580 | +41% |
| New Jersey | $80,360 | +37% |
| Maryland | $79,370 | +35% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $58,520 | 1,380 |
| Interior Designers | $58,730 | 1,290 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $58,870 | 1,640 |
| Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | $58,960 | 2,690 |
| Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $58,170 | 12,650 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $59,090 | 4,170 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Tennessee?
The mean special education teachers, secondary school salary in Tennessee is $57,530 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,580 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Special Education Teachers, Secondary School in Tennessee?
Entry-level special education teachers, secondary schools (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $47,460 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $49,880 per year.
What is the highest Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $70,030 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,410 per year.
How does the Tennessee Special Education Teachers, Secondary School salary compare to the national average?
The median special education teachers, secondary school salary in Tennessee is $58,580, which is -16% below national average of $69,590.