Average Lawyer Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Lawyers in Tennessee earn an average of $133,460 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +8.4% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$133,460
per year
Hourly Rate
$64.17
per hour
vs National
-8.4%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$86,041
to $190,331
About Lawyer Careers in Tennessee
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal matters, draft legal documents, and argue cases before courts and regulatory agencies. The legal profession spans a vast range of practice areas — from corporate M&A and intellectual property to criminal defense, family law, and public interest work — with compensation that varies dramatically based on practice area, firm size, and market. BigLaw associates at major firms start at $225,000, while public defenders may earn under $60,000. The national median annual salary is approximately $145,760.
In Tennessee, lawyers earn an average of $133,460 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $86,041 for entry-level roles to $190,331 for the most experienced professionals — +8.4% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by practice area — corporate transactional and patent litigation command the highest fees, firm size — biglaw (am law 200 firms) vs. boutique vs. solo practice creates wide pay gaps, and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$133,460
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$143,505
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Lawyer's salary of $133,460 has the purchasing power of $143,505 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Lawyer Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $139,154 | $66.90/hr | $88,895 | $198,949 | 439 |
| Memphis, TN | $127,765 | $61.43/hr | $83,187 | $181,713 | 418 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Lawyer Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 857 Lawyers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Lawyer Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$86,041
Starting salary for new Lawyers
Median (50th Percentile)
$133,460
Mid-career Lawyer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$190,331
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Lawyer salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lawyer salary in Tennessee?
The average Lawyer salary in Tennessee is $133,460 per year ($64.17/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 8.4% below the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $139,154 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $127,765.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in Tennessee?
Lawyer salaries in Tennessee range from $86,041 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $190,331 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $133,460 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.