Creative & Education Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Memphis, TN is $53,053 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$53,053
vs State Avg
$-1,851
vs National
$-8,637
Cost of Living
86%

Teacher (K-12) Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053, which is $1,851 below the Tennessee state average of $54,904. Compared to the national median of $61,690, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $53,053 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,690 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for teacher (k-12)s seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for teacher (k-12)s in Memphis spans from $35,604 at the 10th percentile to $86,860 at the 90th percentile — a $51,256 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,120, while senior teacher (k-12)s with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,120. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $36,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,120 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,120
$-5,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,120
$-12,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $35,604
25th Percentile $41,968
Median (50th) $53,053
75th Percentile $68,112
90th Percentile $86,860

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$61,690
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$56,755
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$54,287
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$54,287
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Teacher (K-12) in Memphis

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Teacher (K-12) Jobs in Memphis

Browse open teacher (k-12) positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Memphis

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $53,053 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $35,604 (10th percentile) to $86,860 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,053, a teacher (k-12) in Memphis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for teacher (k-12) pay? ▼
Memphis's median teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $54,904. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a teacher (k-12) salary of $53,053 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher (k-12) in Memphis? ▼
Most teacher (k-12) positions in Memphis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lesson Planning, Classroom Management, Assessment, Differentiated Instruction. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.