Average Special Education Teacher Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Special Education Teachers in Tennessee earn an average of $60,622 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.0% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$60,622
per year
Hourly Rate
$29.15
per hour
vs National
-9.0%
$66,620 national
Salary Range
$40,265
to $85,367
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$60,622
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$65,185
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Special Education Teacher's salary of $60,622 has the purchasing power of $65,185 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Special Education Teacher Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $64,088 | $30.81/hr | $42,142 | $90,813 | 501 |
| Memphis, TN | $57,156 | $27.48/hr | $38,388 | $79,921 | 478 |
Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Special Education Teacher Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 979 Special Education Teachers employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Special Education Teacher Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$40,265
Starting salary for new Special Education Teachers
Median (50th Percentile)
$60,622
Mid-career Special Education Teacher salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$85,367
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Business Professor
$96,206
avg in TN
+$35,584 vs Special Education Teacher
Instructional Coordinator
$69,132
avg in TN
+$8,510 vs Special Education Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
$60,134
avg in TN
-$488 vs Special Education Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
$58,865
avg in TN
-$1,757 vs Special Education Teacher
Preschool Teacher
$34,894
avg in TN
-$25,728 vs Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Special Education Teacher salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Special Education Teacher Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Special Education Teacher salary in Tennessee?
The average Special Education Teacher salary in Tennessee is $60,622 per year ($29.15/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.0% below the national average of $66,620.
What is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Special Education Teachers in Tennessee, with a median salary of $64,088 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $57,156.
What is the salary range for Special Education Teachers in Tennessee?
Special Education Teacher salaries in Tennessee range from $40,265 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $85,367 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $60,622 per year.
About This Data
The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Tennessee. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.