Average Software Developer Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Software Developers in Tennessee earn an average of $123,363 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +7.3% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$123,363
per year
Hourly Rate
$59.31
per hour
vs National
-7.3%
$133,080 national
Salary Range
$78,731
to $184,210
About Software Developer Careers in Tennessee
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs and applications. They design, develop, test, and maintain software systems that power everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. In today's digital economy, software developers are essential to virtually every industry, creating solutions that improve efficiency, entertainment, and communication.
In Tennessee, software developers earn an average of $123,363 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $78,731 for entry-level roles to $184,210 for the most experienced professionals — +7.3% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay), industry sector (fintech, healthcare tech, gaming), and the specific metro area within Tennessee.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$123,363
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$132,648
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Software Developer's salary of $123,363 has the purchasing power of $132,648 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Software Developer Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $126,592 | $60.86/hr | $80,071 | $188,332 | 1,715 |
| Memphis, TN | $120,133 | $57.76/hr | $77,390 | $180,087 | 1,737 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Software Developer Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 3,452 Software Developers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Software Developer Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$78,731
Starting salary for new Software Developers
Median (50th Percentile)
$123,363
Mid-career Software Developer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$184,210
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Information Security Analyst
$113,402
avg in TN
-$9,961 vs Software Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
$94,549
avg in TN
-$28,814 vs Software Developer
Computer Programmer
$89,836
avg in TN
-$33,527 vs Software Developer
Network Administrator
$88,925
avg in TN
-$34,438 vs Software Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
$54,900
avg in TN
-$68,463 vs Software Developer
Software Developer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Software Developer salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Software Developer Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developer salary in Tennessee?
The average Software Developer salary in Tennessee is $123,363 per year ($59.31/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 7.3% below the national average of $133,080.
What is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Software Developers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $126,592 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $120,133.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in Tennessee?
Software Developer salaries in Tennessee range from $78,731 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $184,210 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $123,363 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.