How much does a special education teacher make in Tennessee?
$61,360a year
Median yearly pay for special education teachers in Tennessee. That is $29.50 an hour or $5,113 a month.
- Hourly
- $29.50
- Vs. national median
- -17%
- Rank among states
- 36 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 2,010
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $50,190Median: $61,360Highest 10%: $77,640
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $50,190 | $24.13 | |
| 25th | $52,540 | $25.26 | |
| Median | $61,360 | $29.50 | |
| 75th | $65,770 | $31.62 | |
| 90th | $77,640 | $37.33 |
Cities in Tennessee
Metro areas, median yearly pay.
| Cleveland, TN | $63,280 |
| Knoxville, TN | $63,030 |
| Chattanooga, TN | $62,130 |
| Kingsport, TN | $61,450 |
| Nashville, TN | $61,360 |
| Johnson City, TN | $61,120 |
| Memphis, TN | $60,500 |
| Jackson, TN | $59,960 |
Nearby in the ranking
States with similar pay for special education teachers.
| 33. South Carolina | $62,150 |
| 34. Maine | $61,710 |
| 35. Florida | $61,510 |
| 36. Tennessee | $61,360 |
| 37. North Dakota | $61,210 |
| 38. Indiana | $61,130 |
| 39. Nevada | $60,810 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a special education teacher make an hour in Tennessee?
The median hourly pay in Tennessee is $29.50 ($61,360 a year).
Do special education teachers make more in Tennessee than the national average?
No: $61,360 against $74,260 nationally, 17% less.
Where does Tennessee rank for special education teacher pay?
Tennessee ranks 36 of 51 states.
Which city in Tennessee pays special education teachers the most?
Cleveland, TN, with a median of $63,280 a year.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.