Tennessee State University Salary

How much does the Tennessee State University Pay for employees?

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Tennessee State University in the United States is $95,196. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $46. Salaries at Tennessee State University typically range from $83,150 to $109,062 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company. Tennessee State University’s salaries are influenced by a wide range of factors including job role, department, years of experience, and location.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.

How Much Does Tennessee State University Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Tennessee State University. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for popular roles within the company, helping you benchmark potential earnings. Use 'View by Card/Table' option to find the data most relevant to your career path.
DISCLAIMER: The salary range presented here is an estimation that has been derived from our proprietary algorithm. It should be noted that this range does not originate from the company's factual payroll records or survey data.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Current Job Openings at Tennessee State University

Ready for your next career move? Explore current job openings at Tennessee State University. Use the search tool below to find available positions by title and location and apply directly to start your career.

Is Tennessee State University’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Tennessee State University’s compensation stack up against the market? This analysis visualizes their annual average salary compared to its industry benchmark and key peer companies.
Peer Company & Industry Benchmarking
120k
100k
80k
60k
40k
20k
0
Average Salary ($/year)
Tennessee State University
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
SME Manufacturing, Chapter 248 - Spokane WA
Memphis University Center
Industry Comparison
Our data shows that, on average, compensation at Tennessee State University is below the average for the U.S. Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry by approximately 17%. This positioning suggests their pay is below the market average within their sector.
Peer Company Comparison
To provide a broader market perspective, we compared Tennessee State University average annual salary with several similar companies. Tennessee State University average salary of $95,196 is lower than SME Manufacturing, Chapter 248 - Spokane WA, which has an average salary of $100,934. It is higher than Memphis University Center, with their average salary at $94,405. This places Tennessee State University in a mid-range position among its peers.
See Your True Competitors
The companies behind the question marks could be hiring your best people. Don't operate with incomplete data. Unlock your full competitive view with Salary.com for Business to precisely benchmark salaries, benefits, and more against your true competitors.

Employee Reviews: Working at Tennessee State University

Considering a career at Tennessee State University? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Communication is professional and frequent, which helps maintain trust and efficiency across all levels. Their clear processes and community-centered focus help maintain a smooth, efficient public and educational operation. Benefits like healthcare and retirement plans are excellent. Cut approval times by half. Communication is consistent, expectations are clear, and opportunities for growth exist...
Resources are allocated thoughtfully, and innovation is encouraged. The organization's commitment to fostering lifelong learning among its staff is highly commendable and beneficial. Coworkers are respectful, and management is supportive within defined limits. The culture emphasizes process and compliance more than creativity or agility.
However, there’s little excitement in the day-to-day. Whether it's a formal award or a simple thank you from a supervisor, these gestures boost morale and reinforce the message that individual contributions are seen and appreciated by the wider organization. Flexible work arrangements and wellness programs help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Benefits are the highlight, including healthcare and retirement. The company provides extensive training and development programs, enabling employees to build skills and advance careers. Training programs are offered but may lack relevance for some roles. Leadership fosters respect and inclusivity.
Inclusive environment with diverse perspectives. The benefits package is outstanding, including premium healthcare and generous leave policies. Comprehensive yet easy to implement.

Tennessee State University Overview

Website
www.tnstate.edu
Founded In
1912
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
3500 John a Merritt Blvd Nashville Tennessee TN 37209
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
+1 6159635000
Social Media
About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University (Tennessee State, Tenn State, or TSU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1912, it is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee. It is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

What Benefits Does Tennessee State University Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Tennessee State University offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
Work at Tennessee State University?
Share your experience
How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

illustration

What Is the Cost of Living Near Nashville?

Understanding the cost of living near Nashville is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Tennessee State University.
Nashville's Cost of Living Index is approximately 103.5 (3.5% more expensive than US average; 14.7% more than TN average). 'Music City', major growth, housing costs above US avg. WeGo Public Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Tennessee State University, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,500 - $2,300+ A significant portion of Tennessee State University salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $140 - $230 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $65 (WeGo monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $410 - $600 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $450 - $850+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,945 - $4,685+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Tennessee State University

1. What is the estimated average total compensation at Tennessee State University?

Salary.com estimates that the average total compensation package at Tennessee State University, which can include base salary, potential bonuses, and benefits, is around $95,196 annually . Total compensation provides a more holistic view of an employee's earnings.

2. How much does Tennessee State University pay compared to SME Manufacturing, Chapter 248 - Spokane WA?

The average annual salary at Tennessee State University is $95,196, or an hourly wage of $46, in comparison to SME Manufacturing, Chapter 248 - Spokane WA which pays $100,934 per year or $49 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Tennessee State University?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Tennessee State University due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. What's the typical salary progression for an employee moving from an entry-level to a senior role at Tennessee State University?

Salary progression from an entry-level to a senior role at Tennessee State University can be significant, often involving several promotions and substantial pay increases. For example, an entry-level Analyst might see their salary potentially double or more as they progress to a Senior Manager or Director position over several years, assuming strong performance and development.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Tennessee State University in Nashville is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Tennessee State University in Nashville is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Tennessee State University and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Nashville" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are promotions at Tennessee State University usually accompanied by a significant salary increase?

Yes, promotions at Tennessee State University are generally accompanied by a salary increase. The amount of the increase typically reflects the greater responsibilities, skills, and scope of the new role. The percentage increase can vary widely depending on the level of promotion and the company's compensation structure.