Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$77,370
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.20
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-8% vs US median
US median $84,290
State Rank
#35 of 46
190 employed here

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

A Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $77,370 per year, or about $37.20 per hour. That is 8% below the national median of $84,290 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $50,030 while the top 10% make $122,820 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $61,510 and $101,200 a year.

Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$50,030$24.05
25th percentile (early career)$61,510$29.57
50th percentile (median)$77,370$37.20
75th percentile (experienced)$101,200$48.65
90th percentile (top earners)$122,820$59.05

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 35th out of 46 states and territories for Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$127,680
2Delaware$123,710
3New Hampshire$112,890
4District of Columbia$103,160
5Michigan$102,870

Working as a Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary in Tennessee

Nationally, about 12,000 people work as Sociology 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 ($77,370) 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 Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary make in Tennessee?
The median Sociology Teacher, Postsecondary salary in Tennessee is $77,370 per year, or about $37.20 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $50,030 at the entry level to $122,820 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary about 8% less than the national median of $84,290. Tennessee ranks 35th out of 46 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $77,370 a year. About 190 Sociology 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 Sociology 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.