Highest and lowest paying education jobs in Nashville
Written by:
March 6, 2021
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
Highest and lowest paying education jobs in Nashville
Whether you picture hard-working teachers buying school supplies for their students or genius professors shaping future leaders, it’s fair to say education encompasses a wide variety of jobs. So much so that there’s room to specialize and pursue your passion.
Historically, teachers’ pay is a rather contentious topic. The median annual salary across all teaching professions is $57,949—about $3,000 below the median annual salary of all working professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite this, many of these jobs are rewarding in more ways than one. In other words, education can be very lucrative—particularly within specialty fields.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest- and lowest-paying education jobs in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2019 annual mean wage. Keep reading to discover the highest- and lowest-paying education jobs in your city.
1 / 47
Education Images // Getty Images
#47. Substitute teachers, short-term
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $21,270
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Employment: 587,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($58,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,870)
--- Salinas, CA ($49,790)
- Annual mean salary: $21,270
- #268 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Employment: 587,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($58,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,870)
--- Salinas, CA ($49,790)
2 / 47
Pixabay
#46. Teaching assistants, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $24,010
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,460
- Employment: 137,500
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($59,650)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,670)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($57,330)
- Annual mean salary: $24,010
- #71 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,460
- Employment: 137,500
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($59,650)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,670)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($57,330)
3 / 47
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#45. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $25,380
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($41,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($41,430)
--- New Bedford, MA ($41,360)
- Annual mean salary: $25,380
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($41,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($41,430)
--- New Bedford, MA ($41,360)
4 / 47
CHRISTOF STACHE // Getty Images
#44. Preschool teachers, except special education
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $30,260
- #216 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($55,430)
--- Laredo, TX ($50,350)
--- Waterbury, CT ($49,840)
- Annual mean salary: $30,260
- #216 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($55,430)
--- Laredo, TX ($50,350)
--- Waterbury, CT ($49,840)
5 / 47
Unsplash
#43. Library technicians
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $31,930
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,950
- Employment: 88,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,980)
--- Iowa City, IA ($54,140)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($52,650)
- Annual mean salary: $31,930
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 360
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,950
- Employment: 88,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,980)
--- Iowa City, IA ($54,140)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($52,650)
6 / 47
Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons
#42. Self-enrichment teachers
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $36,760
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Employment: 252,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,570)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($65,340)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($64,710)
- Annual mean salary: $36,760
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 930
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Employment: 252,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,570)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($65,340)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($64,710)
7 / 47
Jeff Reed // flickr
#41. Archivists
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $44,680
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,500
- Employment: 6,560
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,730)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($80,200)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($73,490)
- Annual mean salary: $44,680
- #33 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $57,500
- Employment: 6,560
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,730)
--- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX ($80,200)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($73,490)
8 / 47
industryviews // Shutterstock
#40. Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $47,060
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,420
- Employment: 112,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($92,930)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,500)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,100)
- Annual mean salary: $47,060
- #190 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,420
- Employment: 112,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($92,930)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,500)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,100)
9 / 47
StockphotoVideo // Shutterstock
#39. Museum technicians and conservators
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $47,080
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,030
- Employment: 13,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($68,320)
--- New Haven, CT ($63,900)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($63,240)
- Annual mean salary: $47,080
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $48,030
- Employment: 13,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($68,320)
--- New Haven, CT ($63,900)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($63,240)
10 / 47
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#38. Special education teachers, preschool
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $47,310
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,060
- Employment: 22,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($93,100)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,990)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($85,050)
- Annual mean salary: $47,310
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $67,060
- Employment: 22,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($93,100)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($92,990)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($85,050)
11 / 47
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#37. Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $47,820
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,980
- Employment: 51,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,920)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($92,360)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,000)
- Annual mean salary: $47,820
- #96 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,980
- Employment: 51,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,920)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($92,360)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,000)
12 / 47
Iam_Anupong // Shutterstock
#36. Kindergarten teachers, except special education
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $51,940
- #173 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,210
- Employment: 124,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($97,220)
--- Modesto, CA ($91,230)
--- Kingston, NY ($89,850)
- Annual mean salary: $51,940
- #173 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,090
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,210
- Employment: 124,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($97,220)
--- Modesto, CA ($91,230)
--- Kingston, NY ($89,850)
13 / 47
Marcwathieu // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Curators
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $52,760
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,130
- Employment: 12,890
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($82,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,640)
--- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($76,200)
- Annual mean salary: $52,760
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $59,130
- Employment: 12,890
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Ann Arbor, MI ($82,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($81,640)
--- Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY ($76,200)
14 / 47
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#34. Farm and home management educators
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,230
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,720
- Employment: 8,720
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($87,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($65,850)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,510)
- Annual mean salary: $53,230
- #8 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,720
- Employment: 8,720
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA ($87,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($65,850)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,510)
15 / 47
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#33. Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Employment: 622,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($91,610)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,350)
--- El Centro, CA ($89,610)
- Annual mean salary: $53,270
- #212 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,910
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Employment: 622,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($91,610)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,350)
--- El Centro, CA ($89,610)
16 / 47
DGLimages // Shutterstock
#32. Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,620
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,420
- Employment: 193,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($93,990)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,480)
- Annual mean salary: $53,620
- #185 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,050
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,420
- Employment: 193,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($93,990)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,480)
17 / 47
B Brown // Shutterstock
#31. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,930
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Employment: 1,035,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($97,680)
--- Fresno, CA ($93,410)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,350)
- Annual mean salary: $53,930
- #231 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,870
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Employment: 1,035,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($97,680)
--- Fresno, CA ($93,410)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,350)
18 / 47
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#30. Elementary school teachers, except special education
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $54,330
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Employment: 1,430,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($92,090)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($90,270)
--- Merced, CA ($89,910)
- Annual mean salary: $54,330
- #222 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 8,660
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Employment: 1,430,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($92,090)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($90,270)
--- Merced, CA ($89,910)
19 / 47
Canva
#29. Special education teachers, middle school
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $56,700
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,740
- Employment: 85,840
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($86,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($85,440)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,340)
- Annual mean salary: $56,700
- #101 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,740
- Employment: 85,840
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($86,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($85,440)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,340)
20 / 47
Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#28. Instructional coordinators
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $57,230
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,180
- Employment: 176,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($117,990)
--- New Haven, CT ($111,750)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($103,980)
- Annual mean salary: $57,230
- #261 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,180
- Employment: 176,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($117,990)
--- New Haven, CT ($111,750)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($103,980)
21 / 47
industryviews // Shutterstock
#27. Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $58,060
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- Employment: 74,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($102,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,500)
--- New Haven, CT ($85,740)
- Annual mean salary: $58,060
- #113 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- Employment: 74,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($102,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,500)
--- New Haven, CT ($85,740)
22 / 47
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#26. Librarians and media collections specialists
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $58,570
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,920
- Employment: 135,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,390)
--- Merced, CA ($87,800)
- Annual mean salary: $58,570
- #155 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,920
- Employment: 135,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,390)
--- Merced, CA ($87,800)
23 / 47
Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
#25. Special education teachers, secondary school
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $60,070
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- Employment: 143,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,500)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,110)
- Annual mean salary: $60,070
- #110 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 800
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- Employment: 143,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,500)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,110)
24 / 47
Martynova Anna // Shutterstock
#24. Career/technical education teachers, middle school
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $60,370
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,900
- Employment: 11,860
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($126,110)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,660)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($90,480)
- Annual mean salary: $60,370
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,900
- Employment: 11,860
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($126,110)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,660)
--- Utica-Rome, NY ($90,480)
25 / 47
Monica Volpin // pixabay
#23. Library science teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $64,710
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,170
- Employment: 4,390
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($128,110)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,380)
- Annual mean salary: $64,710
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $77,170
- Employment: 4,390
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($128,110)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($109,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($104,380)
26 / 47
Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#22. Communications teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $66,560
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 29,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($139,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,640)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($124,400)
- Annual mean salary: $66,560
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 29,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($139,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,640)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($124,400)
27 / 47
COD Newsroom // Flickr
#21. English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $69,460
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,180
- Employment: 67,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,190)
--- Fresno, CA ($128,540)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,070)
- Annual mean salary: $69,460
- #64 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 380
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,180
- Employment: 67,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,190)
--- Fresno, CA ($128,540)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,070)
28 / 47
Florida Fish and Wildlife // flickr
#20. Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $71,960
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,980
- Employment: 14,070
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($141,190)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,150)
- Annual mean salary: $71,960
- #26 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,980
- Employment: 14,070
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($141,190)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,150)
29 / 47
Tulane Public Relations // Wikimedia Commons
#19. Sociology teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $83,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- Employment: 13,850
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($119,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($118,900)
- Annual mean salary: $83,060
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- Employment: 13,850
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($119,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($118,900)
30 / 47
Shane Global // flickr
#18. Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $83,100
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,170
- Employment: 24,860
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($127,820)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($115,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,010)
- Annual mean salary: $83,100
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,170
- Employment: 24,860
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($127,820)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($115,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,010)
31 / 47
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#17. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $83,940
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 51,150
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($143,390)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,330)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,750)
- Annual mean salary: $83,940
- #42 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 51,150
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($143,390)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,330)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,750)
32 / 47
University of the Fraser Valley // flickr
#16. Philosophy and religion teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $84,610
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,970
- Employment: 23,490
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($155,290)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($134,000)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($133,610)
- Annual mean salary: $84,610
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 210
National
- Annual mean salary: $88,970
- Employment: 23,490
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($155,290)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($134,000)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($133,610)
33 / 47
Lucky Business // Shutterstock
#15. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $86,080
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,650
- Employment: 21,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,130)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($135,530)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($132,340)
- Annual mean salary: $86,080
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,650
- Employment: 21,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,130)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($135,530)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($132,340)
34 / 47
Suzannekweiss // Wikimedia Commons
#14. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $86,430
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,160
- Employment: 59,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,980)
--- Rochester, NY ($108,480)
--- New Haven, CT ($107,320)
- Annual mean salary: $86,430
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 410
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,160
- Employment: 59,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,980)
--- Rochester, NY ($108,480)
--- New Haven, CT ($107,320)
35 / 47
Pressmaster // Shutterstock
#13. Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $86,920
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
- Employment: 94,060
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,250)
--- Rochester, NY ($114,810)
--- Provo-Orem, UT ($112,520)
- Annual mean salary: $86,920
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 520
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,220
- Employment: 94,060
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($119,250)
--- Rochester, NY ($114,810)
--- Provo-Orem, UT ($112,520)
36 / 47
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
#12. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $87,510
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- Employment: 11,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($147,800)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($146,430)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($138,680)
- Annual mean salary: $87,510
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- Employment: 11,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($147,800)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($146,430)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($138,680)
37 / 47
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#11. Physics teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $88,890
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,110
- Employment: 13,780
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,240)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,430)
--- Rochester, NY ($144,220)
- Annual mean salary: $88,890
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,110
- Employment: 13,780
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,240)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,430)
--- Rochester, NY ($144,220)
38 / 47
Fabrice Florin // flickr
#10. Education teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $92,290
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,560
- Employment: 61,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($108,450)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($107,300)
--- Toledo, OH ($106,940)
- Annual mean salary: $92,290
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,560
- Employment: 61,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($108,450)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($107,300)
--- Toledo, OH ($106,940)
39 / 47
Fae // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Psychology teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $93,000
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,530
- Employment: 37,480
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,120)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($128,700)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,520)
- Annual mean salary: $93,000
- #31 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,530
- Employment: 37,480
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,120)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($128,700)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,520)
40 / 47
Irina.stelea // Wikimedia Commons
#8. History teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $94,000
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,210
- Employment: 21,030
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($144,240)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($127,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,750)
- Annual mean salary: $94,000
- #23 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,210
- Employment: 21,030
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($144,240)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($127,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,750)
41 / 47
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#7. Computer science teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $94,780
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,430
- Employment: 31,800
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($151,520)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($149,560)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,520)
- Annual mean salary: $94,780
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,430
- Employment: 31,800
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($151,520)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($149,560)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($142,520)
42 / 47
Canva
#6. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $104,900
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,620
- Employment: 201,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jacksonville, FL ($202,430)
--- Jackson, MS ($185,500)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($184,130)
- Annual mean salary: $104,900
- #48 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 680
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,620
- Employment: 201,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jacksonville, FL ($202,430)
--- Jackson, MS ($185,500)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($184,130)
43 / 47
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#5. Political science teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $105,830
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,290
- Employment: 15,750
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($155,410)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($142,680)
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($136,460)
- Annual mean salary: $105,830
- #17 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,290
- Employment: 15,750
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($155,410)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($142,680)
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($136,460)
44 / 47
Matej Kastelic // Shutterstock
#4. Business teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $109,460
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,440
- Employment: 83,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($177,360)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,210)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($141,870)
- Annual mean salary: $109,460
- #39 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,440
- Employment: 83,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($177,360)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,210)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($141,870)
45 / 47
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#3. Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $110,530
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,700
- Employment: 53,090
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,420)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($142,610)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($140,810)
- Annual mean salary: $110,530
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 420
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,700
- Employment: 53,090
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,420)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($142,610)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($140,810)
46 / 47
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#2. Engineering teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $115,850
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,110
- Employment: 36,080
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($160,730)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($143,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($140,020)
- Annual mean salary: $115,850
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 300
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,110
- Employment: 36,080
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($160,730)
--- Pittsburgh, PA ($143,600)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($140,020)
47 / 47
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#1. Economics teachers, postsecondary
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Annual mean salary: $130,290
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,160
- Employment: 13,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($169,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($162,330)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($161,460)
- Annual mean salary: $130,290
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 140
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,160
- Employment: 13,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($169,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($162,330)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($161,460)
