Business & Finance Tennessee (TN) Rank #41 of 50

Fundraiser Salary in Tennessee

The median fundraiser salary in Tennessee is $57,102 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $64,160.

Median Salary
$57,102
vs National
$-7,058
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Fundraiser Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for fundraiser compensation. Fundraiser salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $57,102 per year, fundraisers in Tennessee earn $7,058 less than the national median of $64,160.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $57,102 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $64,160 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: fundraisers at the 10th percentile earn $32,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $102,350 — a $70,310 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Tennessee for this role is Nashville, where the median reaches $64,160.

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for fundraisers across the country.

Fundraiser Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $33,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,120 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,820
$-4,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,740
$-7,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,120
$-11,880 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $32,040
25th Percentile $40,940
Median (50th) $57,102
75th Percentile $78,320
90th Percentile $102,350

Fundraiser Salary by City in Tennessee

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

How to Become a Fundraiser in Tennessee

Education

Most fundraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Tennessee has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Fundraiser make in Tennessee? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Tennessee is $57,102 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $32,040 (10th percentile) to $102,350 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,102, a fundraiser in Tennessee earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for fundraisers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for fundraiser pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level fundraisers earn $33,820, while senior professionals earn $96,120.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for fundraiser salary? ▼
The highest paying state for fundraisers is Hawaii at $109,072. Tennessee's median of $57,102 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($57,102) and South Carolina ($57,102).
What is the entry-level fundraiser salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level fundraiser in Tennessee earns approximately $33,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,740. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $96,120.
What city in Tennessee pays fundraisers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for fundraisers, with a median salary of $64,160. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.