English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in Tennessee
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in Tennessee earn a median of $64,220 a year, based on BLS data for 1,150 workers.
Pay ranges from $48,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,170 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $78,760. Tennessee ranks 37th of 49 states for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary pay. There are 0.35 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $70,650, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,580 |
| 25th percentile | $59,070 |
| Median | $64,220 |
| 75th percentile | $78,850 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,170 |
| Average (mean) | $70,650 |
Half of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,351.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,675.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,470 |
| Weekly | $1,235 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because english language and literature teachers, postsecondary are usually paid a salary and may not work a full 2,080-hour year. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,220 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $77,400 | 160 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $66,170 | 310 |
| Knoxville, TN | $64,220 | 230 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $59,830 | 110 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $59,120 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $130,490 |
| New Hampshire | $98,650 |
| Connecticut | $97,310 |
| Delaware | $97,100 |
| Oregon | $91,870 |
| Michigan | $90,240 |
| Vermont | $86,870 |
| Nevada | $85,830 |
| New York | $84,850 |
| Maine | $84,290 |
See English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state.
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,870 | — |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $76,480 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $62,310 | $29.96 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,030 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $85,950 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,050 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,390 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,240 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,940 | — |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,640 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $76,010 | — |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,600 | — |
| Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary | $74,090 | — |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,940 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1123. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a english language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in Tennessee?
The median salary for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Tennessee is $64,220 a year. Pay ranges from $48,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,170 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid english language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Tennessee earn at least $99,170 a year. The top 25% earn $78,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for english language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $48,580 a year, and a quarter of english language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn $59,070 or less.
How many english language and literature teachers, postsecondary work in Tennessee?
About 1,150 english language and literature teachers, postsecondary are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.