Creative & Education Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

College Professor Salary in Tennessee

The median college professor salary in Tennessee is $74,653 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$74,653
vs National
$-9,227
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

College Professor Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level college professor earns around $42,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,400 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,540
$-9,460 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,400
$-17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $40,050
25th Percentile $53,400
Median (50th) $74,653
75th Percentile $106,800
90th Percentile $149,520

College Professor Salary by City in Tennessee

The largest employment areas for college professors in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$83,880
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$72,137
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$73,814
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$73,814
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$77,170
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a College Professor in Tennessee

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find College Professor Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open college professor positions in Tennessee:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Tennessee

How much does a College Professor make in Tennessee? ▼
The median college professor salary in Tennessee is $74,653 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $40,050 (10th percentile) to $149,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,653, a college professor in Tennessee earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for college professors? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $42,720, while senior professionals earn $142,400.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Tennessee's median of $74,653 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($74,653) and South Carolina ($74,653).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Tennessee earns approximately $42,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,540. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $142,400.
What city in Tennessee pays college professors the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for college professors, with a median salary of $83,880. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.