Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in Tennessee
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education in Tennessee earn a median of $58,070 a year, based on BLS data for 2,740 workers.
Pay ranges from $46,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,440 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $62,680. Tennessee ranks 37th of 50 states for kindergarten teachers, except special education pay. There are 0.83 kindergarten teachers, except special education per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $57,680, close to the median.
Pay range for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,980 |
| 25th percentile | $49,990 |
| Median | $58,070 |
| 75th percentile | $63,070 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,440 |
| Average (mean) | $57,680 |
Half of kindergarten teachers, except special education 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 | $4,839.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,419.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,233.46 |
| Weekly | $1,116.73 |
BLS publishes only yearly pay for this job, because kindergarten teachers, except special education 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 $58,070 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN | $62,210 | 60 |
| Johnson City, TN | $61,500 | 100 |
| Knoxville, TN | $61,030 | 400 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $60,680 | 860 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $59,680 | 180 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $59,400 | 40 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $56,780 | 300 |
| Jackson, TN | $52,110 | 110 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $51,510 | 290 |
Highest-paying states for kindergarten teachers, except special education
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $99,960 |
| Connecticut | $90,030 |
| Rhode Island | $85,470 |
| Massachusetts | $84,100 |
| California | $82,550 |
| District of Columbia | $81,500 |
| New York | $77,630 |
| Maryland | $75,910 |
| Minnesota | $75,500 |
| New Mexico | $74,380 |
See Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education pay in every state.
Related jobs in Tennessee
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 25-2012. 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 kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Tennessee?
The median salary for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Tennessee is $58,070 a year. Pay ranges from $46,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,440 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid kindergarten teachers, except special education make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of kindergarten teachers, except special education in Tennessee earn at least $74,440 a year. The top 25% earn $63,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $46,980 a year, and a quarter of kindergarten teachers, except special education earn $49,990 or less.
How many kindergarten teachers, except special education work in Tennessee?
About 2,740 kindergarten teachers, except special education are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.