Salary AI Book a Demo

1st Grade Teacher Salary in Tennessee

How much does a 1st Grade Teacher make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 1st Grade Teacher in Tennessee is $59,955 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,059
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,827 to $67,861
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,427
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out 1st Grade Teacher Job Openings in Tennessee

Key Factors That Influence 1st Grade Teacher Salaries

A 1st 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 Grade Teacher Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 1st 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): $55,398
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $55,662
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $58,856
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,931
  • Expert (over 8 years): $62,151
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level 1st Grade Teacher less than 1 year $55,398
Early Career Level 1st Grade Teacher 1-2 years $55,662
Mid-Level Level 1st Grade Teacher 2-4 years $58,856
Senior-Level Level 1st Grade Teacher 5-8 years $61,931
Expert Level 1st Grade Teacher over 8 years $62,151

How Do 1st 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 Grade Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $71,034.
  • California: $70,765.
  • Massachusetts: $69,822.

Top Paying Cities for 1st 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: $58,928
  • Lexington: $57,795
  • Iron City: $55,779

1st Grade Teacher Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 1st Grade Teacher roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Hospitality & Leisure, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, 1st Grade Teacher positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view 1st Grade Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a 1st Grade Teacher

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Hospitality & Leisure $65,950 $32.0 10%
Healthcare $62,952 $30.0 5%

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

Understanding how a 1st 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
$51,827
Average $59,955/year
$67,861
$4,319
Average $4,996/month
$5,655
$997
Average $1,153/week
$1,305
$25
Average $29/hour
$33
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,861 $5,655 $1,305 $33
Average $59,955 $4,996 $1,153 $29
25th Percentile $51,827 $4,319 $997 $25

Find Your Next 1st Grade Teacher Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 1st 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

    6 Days Ago

  • Wilson County School System | Lebanon, TN

    Interim 4th Grade Elementary Teacher

    Wilson County School System | Lebanon, TN

    Interim Dates:3/2/26-4/22/26 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

    6 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

    6 Days Ago

  • Gestalt Community Schools | Memphis, TN

    SY

    Gestalt Community Schools | Memphis, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Gestalt Community Schools is a system of K-­-12 college-­-preparatory charter schools in targeted Tennessee ... more

    3 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

    6 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst