Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in Knoxville, TN
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $79,080 a year, based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $51,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,780 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $79,350. Pay here is 4% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $76,350. There are 0.28 foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $78,020, close to the median.
Pay range for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,130 |
| 25th percentile | $60,830 |
| Median | $79,080 |
| 75th percentile | $97,650 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,780 |
| Average (mean) | $78,020 |
Half of foreign 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 | $6,590 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,295 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,041.54 |
| Weekly | $1,520.77 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because foreign 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 $79,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $76,350 | 80 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $63,390 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $101,750 |
| Delaware | $101,100 |
| California | $99,860 |
| Massachusetts | $98,750 |
| Maine | $96,970 |
| New York | $95,120 |
| Oregon | $91,670 |
| Maryland | $87,280 |
| Nevada | $84,980 |
| Michigan | $83,190 |
See Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,570 | — |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $78,020 | — |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $129,240 | — |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,010 | — |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,220 | — |
| Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,210 | — |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,490 | $31.01 |
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,080 | — |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $100,220 | — |
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,600 | — |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,330 | — |
| Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $101,710 | — |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,030 | — |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $103,320 | — |
More: Educational Instruction and Library Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 25-1124. 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 foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $79,080 a year. Pay ranges from $51,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $126,780 a year. The top 25% earn $97,650 or more.
What is the starting pay for foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $51,130 a year, and a quarter of foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary earn $60,830 or less.
How many foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary work in Knoxville, TN?
About 120 foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.