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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Year Teacher in Tennessee is $46,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a First Year Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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First Year Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,839 | $4,320 | $997 | $25 |
| Average | $46,501 | $3,875 | $894 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,579 | $3,465 | $800 | $20 |
Robertson County Schools - Springfield, TN
Robertson County Schools - Springfield, TN
Catholic Diocese of Memphis - Collierville, TN
The Goddard School of Cordova, TN - Cordova, TN
A First Year 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a First Year 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level First Year Teacher | $45,818 |
| Intermediate Level First Year Teacher | $46,023 |
| Senior Level First Year Teacher | $46,706 |
| Specialist Level First Year Teacher | $47,967 |
| Expert Level First Year Teacher | $49,287 |
What Am I Worth?
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 First Year Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For First Year Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, First Year Teacher positions in MFG Durable or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view First Year Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $69,752 | $34.0 | 50% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $51,151 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a First Year 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $51,839 | $4,320 | $997 | $25 |
| Average | $46,501 | $3,875 | $894 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,579 | $3,465 | $800 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current First Year Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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