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1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salary in Tennessee

How much does a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher in Tennessee is $50,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,084
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,559 to $57,034
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,339
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 1st-3rd Grade Teacher Job Openings in Tennessee

Key Factors That Influence 1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salaries

A 1st-3rd Grade Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $46,560
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,782
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $49,467
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,051
  • Expert (over 8 years): $52,235
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 1st-3rd Grade Teacher less than 1 year $46,560
Early Career Level 1st-3rd Grade Teacher 1-2 years $46,782
Mid-Level Level 1st-3rd Grade Teacher 2-4 years $49,467
Senior-Level Level 1st-3rd Grade Teacher 5-8 years $52,051
Expert Level 1st-3rd Grade Teacher over 8 years $52,235

How Do 1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract 1st-3rd Grade Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $59,702.
  • California: $59,475.
  • Massachusetts: $58,683.

Top Paying Cities for 1st-3rd Grade Teacher

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Cornersville: $49,527
  • Lexington: $48,575
  • Iron City: $46,880

1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 1st-3rd Grade Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 1st-3rd Grade Teacher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 1st-3rd Grade Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $60,467 $29.0 20%
Software & Networking $60,467 $29.0 20%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $55,429 $27.0 10%

1st-3rd Grade Teacher Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 1st-3rd Grade Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$43,559
Average $50,390/year
$57,034
$3,630
Average $4,199/month
$4,753
$838
Average $969/week
$1,097
$21
Average $24/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,034 $4,753 $1,097 $27
Average $50,390 $4,199 $969 $24
25th Percentile $43,559 $3,630 $838 $21

Find Your Next 1st-3rd Grade Teacher Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 1st-3rd Grade Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Lauderdale County School District | Ripley, TN

    7th Grade ELA SPED Teacher

    Lauderdale County School District | Ripley, TN

    Job Title: ELA SPED Inclusion TeacherExemption Status: Exempt-CertifiedReports to: PrincipalDate Revised: 11/01/2025Dept./School: Ripley Middle SchoolPrima... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Wilson County Schools | Watertown, TN

    Interim 4th Grade Elementary Teacher

    Wilson County Schools | Watertown, TN

    Interim Dates:2/2/26-5/1/26 Interim 4th Grade Teacher (Elementary, K-5)JOB GOALTo teach elementary students academic and social skills.QUALIFICATIONSHolds ... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Murfreesboro City Schools | Murfreesboro, TN

    Grade Teacher Cason Lane Academy

    Murfreesboro City Schools | Murfreesboro, TN

    Murfreesboro City SchoolsTeacherSchool Personnel Effective April 1996. Revised 12/01/23 Credentials:Holds valid Tennessee teaching license with appropriate... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Haywood County School District | Brownsville, TN

    Teacher

    Haywood County School District | Brownsville, TN

    This position is for the 2026-2027 school year.JOB GOAL: Work with students to help them learn concepts in subjects such as science and mathematics. Assist... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Bedford County Schools | Shelbyville, TN

    Teacher

    Bedford County Schools | Shelbyville, TN

    The State does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious preference, marital status, disability, national origi... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Clear Creek Amana Community School District | Memphis, TN

    MS Long

    Clear Creek Amana Community School District | Memphis, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. TITLE. Long-term Substitute Teacher - 6th Grade Science. LOCATION: Clear Creek Amana Middle School (Tiffin, IA). REPORTS ... more

    6 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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