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Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Salary in Tennessee

How much does an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor make in Tennessee? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in Tennessee is $94,347 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $119,438
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $81,671 to $107,481
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $70,130
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Job Openings in Tennessee

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Salaries

An Assistant Professor/Associate Professor'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 Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor'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): $87,148
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $87,554
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $89,176
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $93,800
  • Expert (over 8 years): $97,630
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Assistant Professor/Associate Professor less than 1 year $87,148
Early Career Level Assistant Professor/Associate Professor 1-2 years $87,554
Mid-Level Level Assistant Professor/Associate Professor 2-4 years $89,176
Senior-Level Level Assistant Professor/Associate Professor 5-8 years $93,800
Expert Level Assistant Professor/Associate Professor over 8 years $97,630

How Do Assistant Professor/Associate Professor 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 Assistant Professor/Associate Professors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $111,783.
  • California: $111,359.
  • Massachusetts: $109,875.

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Professor/Associate Professor

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: $92,732
  • Lexington: $90,949
  • Iron City: $87,777

Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Professor/Associate Professor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 0% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Assistant Professor/Associate Professor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Assistant Professor/Associate Professor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $103,782 $50.0 10%

Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Professor/Associate Professor'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
$81,671
Average $94,347/year
$107,481
$6,806
Average $7,862/month
$8,957
$1,571
Average $1,814/week
$2,067
$39
Average $45/hour
$52
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $107,481 $8,957 $2,067 $52
Average $94,347 $7,862 $1,814 $45
25th Percentile $81,671 $6,806 $1,571 $39

Find Your Next Assistant Professor/Associate Professor Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Professor/Associate Professor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Fisk University | Nashville, TN

    Assistant Professor in Chemistry

    Fisk University | Nashville, TN

    Job Description. Job Description. Fisk University (www.fisk.edu) invites applications for an assistant professor in chemistry, tenure track, with demonstra... more

    5 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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