Technology Tennessee (TN) Rank #34 of 50

Site Reliability Engineer Salary in Tennessee

The median site reliability engineer salary in Tennessee is $129,050 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $145,000.

Median Salary
$129,050
vs National
$-15,950
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Site Reliability Engineer Salary Overview in Tennessee (2026)

Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for site reliability engineer compensation. Site Reliability Engineer salaries in Tennessee are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $129,050 per year, site reliability engineers in Tennessee earn $15,950 less than the national median of $145,000.

A key advantage of working in Tennessee is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $129,050 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $145,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Tennessee is significant: site reliability engineers at the 10th percentile earn $78,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $195,800 — a $117,480 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 $145,000.

Nationally, site reliability engineer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Tennessee and beyond.

Site Reliability Engineer Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, an entry-level site reliability engineer earns around $81,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,900 per year. The cost of living index in Tennessee is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,880
$-10,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,720
$-16,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,900
$-23,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Tennessee

Percentile TN Salary
10th Percentile $78,320
25th Percentile $102,350
Median (50th) $129,050
75th Percentile $164,650
90th Percentile $195,800

Site Reliability Engineer Salary by City in Tennessee

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

How to Become a Site Reliability Engineer in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxKubernetesTerraformPythonMonitoring ToolsIncident Response

Job Outlook in Tennessee

Nationally, site reliability engineer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Tennessee's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Site Reliability Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $57,850 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Site Reliability Engineer Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Site Reliability Engineer make in Tennessee? ▼
The median site reliability engineer salary in Tennessee is $129,050 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $145,000. Salaries range from $78,320 (10th percentile) to $195,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Site Reliability Engineer make per hour in Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,050, a site reliability engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for site reliability engineers? ▼
Tennessee ranks #34 out of 50 states for site reliability engineer pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level site reliability engineers earn $81,880, while senior professionals earn $186,900.
How does Tennessee compare to other states for site reliability engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for site reliability engineers is Hawaii at $239,250. Tennessee's median of $129,050 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($130,500) and Ohio ($130,500).
What is the entry-level site reliability engineer salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level site reliability engineer in Tennessee earns approximately $81,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $131,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $186,900.
What city in Tennessee pays site reliability engineers the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for site reliability engineers, with a median salary of $145,000. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.