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

Project Manager Salary in Tennessee

The median project manager salary in Tennessee is $84,879 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$84,879
vs National
$-10,491
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Project Manager Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,879 per year, project managers in Tennessee earn $10,491 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $84,879 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $50,018, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,599 — a $91,581 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 $95,370.

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for project managers across the country.

Project Manager Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level project manager earns around $51,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,050 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,050
$-15,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $50,018
25th Percentile $64,970
Median (50th) $84,879
75th Percentile $112,140
90th Percentile $141,599

Project Manager Salary by City in Tennessee

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

How to Become a Project Manager in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, project manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Project Manager make in Tennessee? ▼
The median project manager salary in Tennessee is $84,879 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $50,018 (10th percentile) to $141,599 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,879, a project manager in Tennessee earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for project managers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #41 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $51,620, while senior professionals earn $129,050.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. Tennessee's median of $84,879 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($84,879) and South Carolina ($84,879).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level project manager in Tennessee earns approximately $51,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $129,050.
What city in Tennessee pays project managers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for project managers, with a median salary of $95,370. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.