Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in Tennessee, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 80 largest places in Tennessee, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville | 690,130 | $77,371 | $1,586 | 4.5% | 48.0% |
| 2 | Memphis | 618,980 | $51,736 | $1,181 | 8.3% | 28.0% |
| 3 | Knoxville | 195,185 | $54,039 | $1,191 | 4.5% | 34.6% |
| 4 | Chattanooga | 185,783 | $64,523 | $1,256 | 5.5% | 36.0% |
| 5 | Clarksville | 176,456 | $69,303 | $1,307 | 5.5% | 29.9% |
| 6 | Murfreesboro | 161,445 | $80,108 | $1,481 | 4.3% | 43.0% |
| 7 | Franklin | 87,133 | $119,528 | $1,923 | 2.2% | 64.5% |
| 8 | Johnson City | 72,222 | $57,254 | $1,023 | 5.6% | 42.5% |
| 9 | Jackson | 68,435 | $53,032 | $1,145 | 8.1% | 27.8% |
| 10 | Hendersonville | 63,091 | $97,200 | $1,653 | 4.3% | 43.9% |
| 11 | Bartlett | 56,876 | $102,070 | $1,638 | 3.4% | 35.7% |
| 12 | Smyrna | 56,692 | $81,926 | $1,461 | 5.0% | 27.8% |
| 13 | Kingsport | 56,262 | $52,490 | $907 | 4.9% | 31.5% |
| 14 | Spring Hill | 55,765 | $112,013 | $1,844 | 2.1% | 50.3% |
| 15 | Collierville | 51,515 | $138,598 | $1,691 | 4.0% | 62.5% |
| 16 | Cleveland | 48,829 | $58,559 | $1,034 | 6.0% | 30.2% |
| 17 | Gallatin | 48,532 | $77,518 | $1,395 | 3.1% | 33.5% |
| 18 | Brentwood | 45,556 | $182,088 | $2,825 | 2.6% | 73.8% |
| 19 | Columbia | 45,441 | $63,719 | $1,197 | 2.6% | 25.4% |
| 20 | Lebanon | 44,788 | $72,848 | $1,306 | 2.4% | 30.8% |
| 21 | Mount Juliet | 42,073 | $107,068 | $2,011 | 3.8% | 49.5% |
| 22 | Germantown | 40,673 | $149,920 | $1,816 | 3.2% | 71.9% |
| 23 | La Vergne | 40,243 | $81,313 | $1,805 | 2.2% | 23.7% |
| 24 | Cookeville | 36,088 | $51,375 | $917 | 3.8% | 34.8% |
| 25 | Oak Ridge | 32,693 | $72,311 | $1,131 | 3.8% | 40.2% |
| 26 | Maryville | 32,392 | $81,963 | $1,157 | 3.0% | 38.5% |
| 27 | Morristown | 31,527 | $47,917 | $882 | 7.1% | 15.0% |
| 28 | Bristol | 27,636 | $58,162 | $842 | 6.8% | 30.6% |
| 29 | Shelbyville | 24,661 | $55,073 | $1,056 | 3.8% | 13.1% |
| 30 | Farragut | 24,634 | $142,093 | $1,966 | 2.3% | 65.0% |
| 31 | East Ridge | 22,070 | $62,247 | $1,147 | 5.3% | 24.2% |
| 32 | Tullahoma | 21,103 | $60,979 | $886 | 3.2% | 26.6% |
| 33 | Springfield | 19,255 | $59,465 | $1,139 | 4.7% | 16.6% |
| 34 | Sevierville | 18,397 | $52,421 | $1,081 | 4.4% | 24.6% |
| 35 | Goodlettsville | 17,597 | $70,758 | $1,385 | 6.1% | 33.1% |
| 36 | Dickson | 16,424 | $69,678 | $1,063 | 4.8% | 17.8% |
| 37 | Seymour | 16,216 | $82,855 | $1,515 | 3.0% | 23.9% |
| 38 | Dyersburg | 15,979 | $52,064 | $782 | 7.5% | 21.9% |
| 39 | Greeneville | 15,646 | $49,889 | $650 | 8.4% | 26.8% |
| 40 | Arlington | 15,205 | $135,105 | $2,164 | 3.4% | 51.2% |
| 41 | Nolensville | 15,074 | $177,148 | $2,454 | 2.5% | 66.6% |
| 42 | White House | 14,631 | $90,019 | $1,426 | 2.9% | 26.8% |
| 43 | Athens | 14,471 | $53,929 | $846 | 6.2% | 23.2% |
| 44 | Elizabethton | 14,374 | $46,975 | $740 | 5.5% | 26.4% |
| 45 | Lakeland | 14,192 | $116,250 | $1,755 | 2.8% | 53.1% |
| 46 | McMinnville | 13,844 | $47,179 | $791 | 9.0% | 11.7% |
| 47 | Powell | 13,739 | $82,434 | $1,276 | 2.8% | 30.6% |
| 48 | Portland | 13,449 | $72,647 | $1,141 | 4.9% | 15.1% |
| 49 | Soddy-Daisy | 13,231 | $75,113 | $1,047 | 6.0% | 23.9% |
| 50 | Manchester | 12,944 | $57,500 | $978 | 2.2% | 22.9% |
| 51 | Lewisburg | 12,861 | $48,341 | $872 | 5.5% | 17.3% |
| 52 | Crossville | 12,428 | $48,802 | $815 | 7.2% | 17.6% |
| 53 | Alcoa | 12,222 | $65,714 | $1,282 | 1.9% | 34.1% |
| 54 | Middle Valley | 12,187 | $95,000 | $1,180 | 4.0% | 30.8% |
| 55 | Red Bank | 12,010 | $63,983 | $1,283 | 3.8% | 44.5% |
| 56 | Hartsville | 11,957 | $72,747 | $853 | 0.6% | 14.3% |
| 57 | Lawrenceburg | 11,844 | $42,343 | $775 | 7.8% | 15.2% |
| 58 | Collegedale | 11,330 | $70,246 | $1,581 | 1.6% | 50.7% |
| 59 | Millington | 11,289 | $49,979 | $1,111 | 4.7% | 18.8% |
| 60 | Lenoir City | 11,110 | $67,259 | $932 | 5.1% | 19.3% |
| 61 | Union City | 10,982 | $50,870 | $739 | 5.3% | 20.8% |
| 62 | Martin | 10,915 | $43,381 | $859 | 6.3% | 30.4% |
| 63 | Atoka | 10,385 | $89,663 | $1,237 | 4.5% | 35.2% |
| 64 | Paris | 10,338 | $41,012 | $780 | 2.2% | 21.1% |
| 65 | Halls | 10,272 | $90,933 | $1,178 | 1.6% | 35.7% |
| 66 | Clinton | 10,239 | $68,882 | $962 | 1.4% | 20.0% |
| 67 | Fairview | 10,009 | $91,131 | $1,301 | 3.3% | 35.4% |
| 68 | Oakland | 9,979 | $97,798 | $1,992 | 3.3% | 33.1% |
| 69 | Winchester | 9,799 | $62,782 | $974 | 4.4% | 25.6% |
| 70 | Brownsville | 9,622 | $43,494 | $767 | 8.6% | 14.7% |
| 71 | Fairfield Glade | 9,487 | $71,682 | $1,310 | 3.0% | 36.4% |
| 72 | Bloomingdale | 9,292 | $52,317 | $836 | 6.2% | 11.0% |
| 73 | Signal Mountain | 8,860 | $141,008 | $1,852 | 2.4% | 72.8% |
| 74 | Covington | 8,587 | $42,254 | $933 | 8.8% | 13.7% |
| 75 | Jefferson City | 8,579 | $60,638 | $851 | 6.1% | 19.6% |
| 76 | Thompson's Station | 8,294 | $132,647 | $2,088 | 6.4% | 61.9% |
| 77 | Pulaski | 8,285 | $48,538 | $835 | 7.2% | 20.9% |
| 78 | Milan | 8,244 | $43,886 | $805 | 6.4% | 15.6% |
| 79 | Harrison | 8,011 | $89,395 | $1,216 | 1.4% | 38.4% |
| 80 | Lexington | 7,962 | $49,057 | $720 | 8.3% | 16.5% |
Tennessee is in the South region (East South Central division), with 7,066,383 residents, a median age of 38.9 and a median household income of $69,595. The unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 91.9 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $69,595 | 42 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 3.4% | 17 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 4.1% | 22 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 91.9 | 14 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.1% | 40 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 6.1% | 33 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 392 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities80 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the East South Central division: Alabama · Kentucky · Mississippi.
Tennessee is in the South region (East South Central division) and has 7,066,383 residents (the 15th largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 38.9. Its economy produced about $602,257 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 16th among states and DC, equal to $85,228 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 3.4% in 2026M09, which is 17th lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 4.1% of employment, 22nd highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $47,380 a year ($22.78 an hour), 7% below the national median ($47,380 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in Tennessee are Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand (105,870 jobs, median $38,160); Fast Food and Counter Workers (90,690 jobs, median $27,470); Retail Salespersons (87,380 jobs, median $31,950); Registered Nurses (72,200 jobs, median $81,500); Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (64,890 jobs, median $58,620). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Physicians, All Other (median $301,290); Family Medicine Physicians (median $226,830); Dentists, General (median $215,290). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in production (1.4 times the national share of workers) and transportation and material moving (1.3 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in Tennessee: the regional price parity is 91.9 against 100 for the whole country (14th lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $1,189 a month and the median household income $69,595, so a year of rent equals 20.5% of income; the median home value is $286,700. The state minimum wage is not set by state law, so the federal $7.25 applies. State income tax on wages: No state tax on wages. It is a right-to-work state, meaning workers cannot be required to pay union dues as a condition of employment. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
6.1% of residents were born abroad and 31.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 75.8% drive alone, 0.4% use public transit and 12.9% work from home; 15.2% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 76,293 | 12.7% |
| Manufacturing | 69,159 | 11.5% |
| Government and government enterprises | 58,180 | 9.7% |
| Health care and social assistance | 55,389 | 9.2% |
| Wholesale trade | 45,684 | 7.6% |
| Retail trade | 42,900 | 7.1% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 39,980 | 6.6% |
| Finance and insurance | 39,001 | 6.5% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 27,589 | 4.6% |
| Accommodation and food services | 25,928 | 4.3% |
| Construction | 24,118 | 4.0% |
| Information | 23,022 | 3.8% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 22,006 | 3.7% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 14,250 | 2.4% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 12,292 | 2.0% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 9,491 | 1.6% |
| Utilities | 7,901 | 1.3% |
| Educational services | 5,991 | 1.0% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 1,756 | 0.3% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 1,329 | 0.2% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 4,300 | +0.0% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 169,400 | +0.8% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 352,700 | -0.1% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 680,700 | -0.2% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 53,100 | +1.3% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 188,900 | -2.0% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 450,200 | +1.0% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 518,900 | +1.9% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 378,200 | +1.9% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 135,800 | +1.4% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 466,200 | +1.0% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 3,398,400 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 426,040 | 129.9 | 1.14 | $45,370 | $30,910 | $72,930 | -4% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 301,640 | 92.0 | 1.05 | $29,310 | $20,420 | $46,650 | -16% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 369,270 | 112.6 | 1.28 | $41,880 | $30,010 | $70,640 | -6% |
| Sales and Related | 278,210 | 84.9 | 0.98 | $35,730 | $23,720 | $82,780 | -7% |
| Management | 215,600 | 65.8 | 0.92 | $115,010 | $59,310 | $220,170 | -9% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 189,510 | 57.8 | 0.85 | $75,700 | $44,700 | $129,990 | -8% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 218,160 | 66.5 | 1.05 | $78,590 | $43,260 | $141,610 | -9% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 155,180 | 47.3 | 0.81 | $58,870 | $28,400 | $81,360 | -3% |
| Production | 261,580 | 79.8 | 1.45 | $45,150 | $32,160 | $72,880 | -4% |
| Healthcare Support | 110,040 | 33.6 | 0.66 | $37,240 | $29,610 | $50,560 | -3% |
| Construction and Extraction | 125,860 | 38.4 | 0.93 | $50,510 | $36,860 | $80,770 | -15% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 144,040 | 43.9 | 1.12 | $56,400 | $36,220 | $89,340 | -5% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 82,790 | 25.3 | 0.75 | $87,400 | $49,370 | $154,560 | -20% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 87,580 | 26.7 | 0.91 | $34,990 | $27,240 | $47,650 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 76,930 | 23.5 | 0.97 | $46,610 | $30,110 | $78,100 | -7% |
| Personal Care and Service | 57,620 | 17.6 | 0.84 | $32,200 | $22,670 | $50,300 | -12% |
| Community and Social Service | 47,700 | 14.5 | 0.85 | $51,900 | $36,390 | $78,000 | -11% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 45,090 | 13.8 | 0.82 | $85,630 | $49,910 | $142,660 | -14% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 41,190 | 12.6 | 0.95 | $50,340 | $29,010 | $105,010 | -20% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 22,100 | 6.7 | 0.71 | $76,400 | $46,890 | $131,060 | -7% |
| Legal | 18,410 | 5.6 | 0.67 | $83,890 | $45,780 | $216,770 | -18% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 4,180 | 1.3 | 0.46 | $37,140 | $27,910 | $51,580 | +1% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 22.4% |
| Manufacturing | 12.5% |
| Retail trade | 11.6% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 10.7% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 8.9% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 7.2% |
| Construction | 7.1% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 6.0% |
| Other services | 4.8% |
| Public administration | 4.2% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.2% |
| Information | 1.6% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 0.8% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 105,870 | 1.70 | $38,160 | $30,230 | $48,420 | -5% |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 90,690 | 1.12 | $27,470 | $21,850 | $35,060 | -12% |
| Retail Salespersons | 87,380 | 1.06 | $31,950 | $23,720 | $47,720 | -10% |
| Registered Nurses | 72,200 | 1.01 | $81,500 | $63,970 | $104,920 | -16% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 64,890 | 1.49 | $58,620 | $39,960 | $83,280 | -0% |
| General and Operations Managers | 63,720 | 0.86 | $106,970 | $50,820 | $230,660 | +1% |
| Cashiers | 63,350 | 0.97 | $28,590 | $21,410 | $35,780 | -13% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 60,130 | 1.01 | $36,140 | $29,970 | $47,280 | -3% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 59,730 | 1.09 | $42,830 | $31,100 | $60,070 | -4% |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 58,760 | 1.98 | $44,630 | $33,930 | $78,460 | -0% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 52,120 | 1.09 | $27,760 | $15,080 | $47,660 | -21% |
| Office Clerks, General | 49,880 | 0.96 | $38,860 | $26,780 | $58,570 | -14% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | 49,870 | 1.65 | $66,390 | $43,650 | $103,790 | -4% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 41,810 | 2.06 | $39,940 | $31,960 | $57,670 | -13% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 38,120 | 0.82 | $33,440 | $26,720 | $45,690 | -9% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 37,680 | 1.30 | $48,180 | $35,000 | $67,730 | -5% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 35,950 | 0.40 | $32,130 | $28,090 | $38,150 | -10% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 35,790 | 1.11 | $47,240 | $33,810 | $68,990 | -5% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 34,580 | 0.96 | $45,810 | $29,660 | $63,130 | -4% |
| Light Truck Drivers | 33,710 | 1.63 | $45,050 | $29,190 | $83,480 | +0% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | 29,100 | 1.13 | $40,500 | $29,500 | $63,140 | -8% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 28,240 | 0.96 | $59,980 | $48,100 | $76,840 | -6% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 28,220 | 0.95 | $36,420 | $27,910 | $45,650 | -3% |
| Security Guards | 27,690 | 1.02 | $36,000 | $29,310 | $51,680 | -5% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 27,340 | 0.89 | $76,840 | $49,920 | $122,160 | -8% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians, All Other | 5,340 | 0.74 | $301,290 | $101,560 | $503,430 | +13% |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | 1,370 | 0.97 | $232,220 | $64,870 | $412,460 | -9% |
| Family Medicine Physicians | 2,260 | 1.00 | $226,830 | $100,290 | $481,200 | -7% |
| Dentists, General | 2,200 | 0.84 | $215,290 | $84,360 | $311,900 | +26% |
| Nurse Anesthetists | 1,690 | 1.55 | $211,450 | $167,480 | $286,630 | -11% |
| Chief Executives | 4,700 | 1.09 | $198,830 | $64,520 | $474,740 | -7% |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 3,600 | 0.77 | $161,430 | $105,980 | $239,240 | -6% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 12,040 | 0.85 | $158,700 | $98,380 | $237,640 | -9% |
| Financial Managers | 17,630 | 0.99 | $141,010 | $83,080 | $288,750 | -15% |
| Purchasing Managers | 1,460 | 0.82 | $137,060 | $90,340 | $228,230 | -7% |
| Lawyers | 9,010 | 0.57 | $136,180 | $76,510 | $324,880 | -15% |
| Pharmacists | 8,250 | 1.22 | $133,390 | $88,700 | $164,430 | -5% |
| Marketing Managers | 7,730 | 0.93 | $131,990 | $78,790 | $222,680 | -21% |
| Human Resources Managers | 4,310 | 0.93 | $131,760 | $85,160 | $218,300 | -12% |
| Sales Managers | 12,270 | 0.91 | $128,040 | $67,220 | $231,830 | -14% |
| Administrative Services Managers | 8,170 | 1.47 | $127,410 | $71,530 | $213,230 | +12% |
| Veterinarians | 1,730 | 0.98 | $124,350 | $98,500 | $167,900 | -4% |
| Computer Network Architects | 4,330 | 1.14 | $123,860 | $82,340 | $172,980 | -8% |
| Software Developers | 19,030 | 0.53 | $122,430 | $75,280 | $166,380 | -10% |
| Industrial Production Managers | 6,310 | 1.21 | $119,430 | $74,980 | $198,520 | -5% |
| Physician Assistants | 2,240 | 0.65 | $118,240 | $93,380 | $141,670 | -13% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 12,150 | 1.78 | $117,590 | $82,790 | $137,880 | -11% |
| Commercial Pilots | 1,030 | 1.03 | $117,480 | $54,740 | $204,650 | -5% |
| Database Administrators | 2,020 | 1.37 | $115,500 | $59,050 | $163,600 | +10% |
| Information Security Analysts | 3,330 | 0.83 | $115,430 | $63,870 | $250,590 | -11% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | 1,230 | 8.26 | $29,890 | $22,820 | $39,340 | -8% |
| Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,140 | 6.08 | $43,810 | $37,140 | $59,200 | -11% |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | 1,150 | 5.79 | $82,090 | $34,670 | $82,090 | +19% |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | 1,460 | 5.38 | $46,280 | $38,220 | $63,260 | -4% |
| Cooks, All Other | 2,060 | 5.04 | $36,440 | $22,030 | $38,950 | -3% |
| Transportation Workers, All Other | 1,330 | 4.66 | $46,280 | $26,120 | $66,650 | +1% |
| Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,170 | 4.47 | $43,710 | $29,570 | $60,790 | -17% |
| Production Workers, All Other | 20,150 | 3.80 | $40,130 | $31,310 | $59,400 | +0% |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 4,210 | 3.39 | $41,970 | $34,770 | $56,050 | -8% |
| Procurement Clerks | 3,900 | 3.32 | $38,710 | $36,750 | $57,790 | -23% |
| Tire Builders | 1,360 | 3.11 | $74,100 | $45,560 | $82,190 | +29% |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,950 | 2.93 | $47,180 | $35,400 | $54,080 | -2% |
| Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | 1,820 | 2.76 | $45,620 | $35,100 | $62,560 | +10% |
| Musicians and Singers | 1,860 | 2.44 | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Tool and Die Makers | 2,930 | 2.44 | $60,760 | $45,600 | $81,390 | -5% |
| Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,660 | 2.43 | $39,510 | $29,700 | $51,840 | -10% |
| Helpers--Electricians | 3,240 | 2.42 | $39,710 | $31,870 | $48,340 | -7% |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,290 | 2.42 | $48,540 | $31,690 | $71,860 | -3% |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 1,290 | 2.35 | $42,950 | $35,760 | $57,800 | -12% |
| Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other | 2,310 | 2.34 | $33,550 | $20,440 | $51,500 | -10% |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 2,980 | 2.32 | $47,550 | $35,000 | $63,710 | -0% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other | 1,650 | 2.24 | $63,400 | $35,120 | $108,720 | -4% |
| Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | 3,930 | 2.07 | $45,760 | $35,740 | $59,990 | -10% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 41,810 | 2.06 | $39,940 | $31,960 | $57,670 | -13% |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | 2,260 | 2.05 | $50,460 | $38,760 | $64,350 | -2% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 392 federal job postings open now in Tennessee (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Veterans Health Administration | 102 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 45 |
| Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System | 23 |
| Military Treatment Facilities under DHA | 22 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 18 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 14 |
| U.S. Coast Guard | 14 |
| Air Force Civilian Career Training | 14 |
| Department of Energy Headquarters | 11 |
| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers | 10 |
| Bureau of Naval Personnel | 8 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 8 |
| Army National Guard Units | 8 |
| Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command | 6 |
| Air National Guard Units | 6 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Medical Officer | 28 |
| Nurse | 20 |
| Transportation Specialist | 17 |
| Aviation Safety | 17 |
| General Engineering | 10 |
| Information Technology Management | 10 |
| Psychology | 10 |
| Social Work | 9 |
| Attorney | 9 |
| Practical Nurse | 8 |
| Medical Support Assistance | 8 |
| Civil Engineering | 7 |
| Criminal Investigation | 7 |
| Contracting | 7 |
| Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant | 7 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $74,678 (353 postings).
The median wage in Tennessee is $47,380 a year ($22.78 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-7%). The 10th percentile earns $28,600 and the 90th $103,130.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 426,040 | 129.9 | 1.14 | $45,370 | $30,910 | $72,930 | -4% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 301,640 | 92.0 | 1.05 | $29,310 | $20,420 | $46,650 | -16% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 369,270 | 112.6 | 1.28 | $41,880 | $30,010 | $70,640 | -6% |
| Sales and Related | 278,210 | 84.9 | 0.98 | $35,730 | $23,720 | $82,780 | -7% |
| Management | 215,600 | 65.8 | 0.92 | $115,010 | $59,310 | $220,170 | -9% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 189,510 | 57.8 | 0.85 | $75,700 | $44,700 | $129,990 | -8% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 218,160 | 66.5 | 1.05 | $78,590 | $43,260 | $141,610 | -9% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 155,180 | 47.3 | 0.81 | $58,870 | $28,400 | $81,360 | -3% |
| Production | 261,580 | 79.8 | 1.45 | $45,150 | $32,160 | $72,880 | -4% |
| Healthcare Support | 110,040 | 33.6 | 0.66 | $37,240 | $29,610 | $50,560 | -3% |
| Construction and Extraction | 125,860 | 38.4 | 0.93 | $50,510 | $36,860 | $80,770 | -15% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 144,040 | 43.9 | 1.12 | $56,400 | $36,220 | $89,340 | -5% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 82,790 | 25.3 | 0.75 | $87,400 | $49,370 | $154,560 | -20% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 87,580 | 26.7 | 0.91 | $34,990 | $27,240 | $47,650 | -7% |
| Protective Service | 76,930 | 23.5 | 0.97 | $46,610 | $30,110 | $78,100 | -7% |
| Personal Care and Service | 57,620 | 17.6 | 0.84 | $32,200 | $22,670 | $50,300 | -12% |
| Community and Social Service | 47,700 | 14.5 | 0.85 | $51,900 | $36,390 | $78,000 | -11% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 45,090 | 13.8 | 0.82 | $85,630 | $49,910 | $142,660 | -14% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 41,190 | 12.6 | 0.95 | $50,340 | $29,010 | $105,010 | -20% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 22,100 | 6.7 | 0.71 | $76,400 | $46,890 | $131,060 | -7% |
| Legal | 18,410 | 5.6 | 0.67 | $83,890 | $45,780 | $216,770 | -18% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 4,180 | 1.3 | 0.46 | $37,140 | $27,910 | $51,580 | +1% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In Tennessee ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | No state minimum law: federal $7.25 applies |
| State income tax on wages | No state tax on wages |
| Right-to-work state | Yes |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 91.9 |
| Median gross rent per month | $1,189 |
| Median home value | $286,700 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 66.9% |
| Poverty rate | 13.8% |
| Drive alone to work | 75.8% |
| Public transit to work | 0.4% |
| Work from home | 12.9% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 15.2% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
6.1% of residents of Tennessee were born abroad (431,756 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Mexico | 97,422 |
| Guatemala | 30,790 |
| Honduras | 27,888 |
| India | 25,898 |
| Venezuela | 12,942 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 12,855 |
| Egypt | 12,785 |
| Philippines | 12,505 |
| Canada | 11,525 |
| El Salvador | 11,033 |
| Vietnam | 9,173 |
| Germany | 8,836 |
| Korea | 8,433 |
| Cuba | 6,632 |
| Iraq | 6,355 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
Tennessee has no state minimum wage law, so the federal $7.25 applies (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
No state tax on wages (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
3.4% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$69,595 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
392 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.