Physics Teacher, Postsecondary Salary in Tennessee (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in Tennessee, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$80,630
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.76
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-20% vs US median
US median $100,310
State Rank
#42 of 47
340 employed here

How much does a Physics Teacher, Postsecondary make in Tennessee?

A Physics Teacher, Postsecondary working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $80,630 per year, or about $38.76 per hour. That is 20% below the national median of $100,310 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $57,590 while the top 10% make $157,710 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $65,600 and $111,740 a year.

Physics Teacher, Postsecondary salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$57,590$27.69
25th percentile (early career)$65,600$31.54
50th percentile (median)$80,630$38.76
75th percentile (experienced)$111,740$53.72
90th percentile (top earners)$157,710$75.82

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 42nd out of 47 states and territories for Physics Teacher, Postsecondary pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$139,420
2Connecticut$112,410
3Massachusetts$111,280
4Maryland$110,980
5Michigan$109,090

Working as a Physics Teacher, Postsecondary in Tennessee

Nationally, about 13,000 people work as Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in the United States. A bachelor's degree (about 4 years of college) is the standard entry requirement.

Considering a move? Compare Tennessee pay ($80,630) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Physics Teacher, Postsecondary make in Tennessee?
The median Physics Teacher, Postsecondary salary in Tennessee is $80,630 per year, or about $38.76 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $57,590 at the entry level to $157,710 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Physics Teachers, Postsecondary about 20% less than the national median of $100,310. Tennessee ranks 42nd out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $80,630 a year. About 340 Physics Teachers, Postsecondary are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Physics Teacher, Postsecondary salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.