Lawyer Salary in Tennessee
Lawyer pay in Tennessee, explained
Lawyers in Tennessee earn a median of $136,180 per year ($65.47 per hour), which is 15% below the national median of $159,670. Entry-level workers earn around $76,510, while the most experienced lawyers reach about $324,880. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $136,180 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $136,180 is worth about $148,231 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #16 for real pay (vs #20 on the sticker number).
Lawyer pay by experience in Tennessee
Lawyer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $136,180 | $148,231 | — |
| Virginia | $167,210 | $165,384 | −$31,030 |
| Georgia | $134,830 | $140,021 | +$1,350 |
| Missouri | $133,450 | $146,944 | +$2,730 |
| Alabama | $131,970 | $148,576 | +$4,210 |
| North Carolina | $127,710 | $135,392 | +$8,470 |
| Kentucky | $101,550 | $112,634 | +$34,630 |
| Arkansas | $98,880 | $113,738 | +$37,300 |
| Mississippi | $91,690 | $105,448 | +$44,490 |
Lawyer in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do lawyers make in Tennessee?
Lawyers in Tennessee earn a median of $136,180 per year ($65.47 per hour), compared with $159,670 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay lawyers well?
At $136,180, Tennessee pays 15% below the national median for lawyers. An estimated 9,010 work in the state.