The highest-paying jobs in Tennessee include medical professionals such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, and physicians, earning over $250,000 annually. Chief executives and legal professionals also rank high, with salaries exceeding $150,000. IT managers and engineers in specialized fields like petroleum engineering earn between $120,000 and $140,000 annually.
Tennessee has big paying careers in healthcare, technology, management and skilled trades. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch careers, this article lists the top paying jobs in Tennessee with average salaries and everything you need to know. Also see our article on the highest paying jobs in Tennessee that don’t require a degree.
Tennessee’s Top Paying Job Market
Tennessee’s job market is fueled by industries like healthcare, technology and business management. Departments like the Department of Labor and Workforce Development help drive the job market by providing resources and support. Major cities like Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville are economic hubs with big paying career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local labor data, healthcare is the top industry for high pay, followed by technology and executive management.
These salaries are driven by demand for specialized skills, economic growth in urban areas and Tennessee’s low cost of living making the high salaries even more attractive.
2. Top Industries for High Pay
Here are the industries that top the list of big paying jobs in Tennessee:
- Healthcare: Always the highest paying field, anesthesiologists, cardiologists and surgeons earn over $250,000.
- Technology: Cybersecurity professionals, software developers and IT managers are in high demand with salaries over $100,000.
- Management and Leadership: CEOs, CFOs and other executives earn six figures with opportunities in Nashville’s corporate sector.
- Skilled Trades: Electricians, construction managers and truck drivers can earn big pay with minimal education.
These industries have job openings for positions with varying levels of qualifications and skills. Job titles within these industries are key to filtering job searches and salary data.
List Of Highest Paying Jobs in Tennessee
The table below provides a detailed overview of the highest paying occupations in Tennessee, sourced from reliable salary data and job postings:
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist | $317,700 |
| Cardiologist | $305,700 |
| Radiologist | $292,100 |
| Neurosurgeon | $273,600 |
| General Surgeon | $265,100 |
| Physician/Surgeon | $237,500 |
| Primary Care Physician | $235,400 |
| Obstetrician Gynecologist | $210,400 |
| Emergency Medicine Physician | $205,200 |
| Finance Services Director | Not specified |
| Consultant and Sales Representative | Not specified |
| Operator and Truck Driver | Not specified |
| Medical Consultant | $136,800 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $135,718 |
| Cyber Security Professional | $106,498 |
| Box Truck Owner Operator | $106,090 |
| Pilot | $96,238 |
| Wildlife Biologist | $81,866 |
| Educational Consultant | $81,686 |
Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, but healthcare jobs consistently dominate the top-paying list, with anesthesiologists earning the highest average salary of $317,700.
In-Demand Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee’s job market is always changing with various industries growing and needing skilled workers. According to labor stats, here are the in-demand jobs in Tennessee:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, physicians and dentists are needed to meet the healthcare demands of Tennessee’s growing population. These jobs are big paying and secure.
- Technology: Software developers, data scientists and cybersecurity professionals are key as businesses rely more on technology and data security. These jobs are high paying and offer advancement opportunities.
- Manufacturing and Logistics: Supply chain managers and operations managers are crucial to the manufacturing and logistics sectors. These jobs are well paying and have big growth.
- Education: Teachers, administrators and counselors are needed to support the state’s education system. These jobs are stable and big paying.
By focusing on these in-demand fields job seekers can boost their career and get high paying jobs in Tennessee.
Healthcare: Top Jobs in Tennessee
Healthcare jobs are at the top of the list in Tennessee due to high demand for the professionals. Here are the top:
- Anesthesiologists: $317,700
- Cardiologists: $305,700
Departments like the Department of Health and Department of Education oversee these in-demand jobs and ensure they meet the state’s needs.
These jobs require extensive education, advanced certifications and years of experience so they are competitive and lucrative. Tennessee’s healthcare system especially in cities like Nashville has a high demand for physicians and specialists to serve the growing population.
Job Responsibilities in Healthcare
Anesthesiologists: Administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgeries. Cardiologists: Diagnose and treat heart conditions. Surgeons: Operate to treat injuries and diseases.
Healthcare professionals get big benefits – job security, high paying and growth opportunities. Job titles in healthcare are also useful for filtering job searches and salary data.
Technology Careers: Big Opportunities in Tennessee
The technology industry is growing fast in Tennessee especially in Nashville and Knoxville. High paying jobs are:
- Cybersecurity Professionals: $106,498 average salary.
- Software Developers: $80,000 to $120,000 based on experience.
- IT Managers: Often over $110,000 a year.
The demand for tech talent is driven by the increasing need for data security, cloud computing and software development. Employers are looking for people with coding skills, CompTIA or AWS certifications and cybersecurity expertise.
Cities with the Most Tech Jobs
- Nashville: A growing tech hub with many startups and IT companies.
- Knoxville: Focuses on data analysis and renewable energy tech.
Job titles in tech are useful for filtering job searches and salary data.
Job Growth and Forecast in Tennessee
Tennessee’s economy is growing and many industries are contributing to the state’s job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee’s employment will grow 1.5% annually from 2020 to 2030. This growth is from:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: 2.5% growth, will add many jobs especially for healthcare professionals and support staff.
- Professional and Business Services: 2.2% growth, will see more demand for management, consulting and administrative support.
- Manufacturing: 1.8% growth, will continue to need skilled workers in production, logistics and supply chain management.
It’s important to have the right skills and qualifications to compete in Tennessee’s job market. By staying current with labor statistics and job market trends job seekers can boost their chances of getting high paying jobs in Tennessee. Focusing on industries with growth and developing the right skills can lead to big career opportunities in the state.
Other High Paying Jobs in Tennessee
Some non-traditional jobs also pay high. Examples are:
- Box Truck Owner Operators: $106,090 a year.
- Forensic Psychologists: $135,718 a year.
- Educational Consultants: $81,686 a year.
- Pilots: $96,238 a year.
These jobs often require niche skills, certifications or specialized education. For example, forensic psychologists need advanced degrees in psychology and expertise in criminal behavior analysis. Departments like the Department of Transportation and the Department of Justice oversee these unique jobs and make sure they meet regulatory requirements.
Career Tips for High Paying Jobs
Follow these to get a high paying job in Tennessee:
- Identify High Demand Industries: Focus on healthcare, tech or management roles where salaries are high.
- Develop In Demand Skills: Certifications in coding, data security or medical training can boost your earning potential.
- Search Job Opportunities in Major Cities: Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville are hotspots for high paying jobs.
- Network: Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and professionals in your field.
- Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your skills, certifications and achievements.
Job seekers who match their skills and qualifications to market demand can boost their career.
Final Points
Tennessee has many high paying jobs across industries, especially in healthcare, tech and management. Anesthesiologists, cardiologists and radiologists top the salary charts, while careers in cybersecurity and skilled trades are alternatives. By focusing on skill development, searching urban job markets and using networking tools you can get a high paying job in one of Tennessee’s growing industries.
For those looking to grow their career, Tennessee’s job market is looking up. Search jobs now and take the next step! Job titles are useful for filtering job searches and salary data so job seekers can find the best.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions we get asked about this topic.
How can job seekers in Tennessee leverage labor statistics to identify emerging high-paying career opportunities?
Job seekers can utilize labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to identify emerging high-paying career opportunities. By analyzing job growth projections and salary data, candidates can discover industries with increasing demand and competitive salaries. For example, while healthcare consistently tops the list, emerging fields like cybersecurity ($106,498 average salary) and educational consulting ($81,686 average salary) offer promising career paths.
Regularly reviewing these statistics can help job seekers stay ahead of market trends and position themselves for lucrative opportunities.
What unique benefits do high-paying jobs in Tennessee offer beyond competitive salaries?
High-paying jobs in Tennessee often come with additional benefits beyond competitive salaries. For instance, many top-paying positions in healthcare and technology offer opportunities for career advancement, professional development, and work-life balance.
Some companies in Nashville and Memphis provide innovative perks such as remote work options, flexible schedules, and comprehensive health benefits packages. Additionally, Tennessee’s low cost of living compared to other states with similar high-paying jobs means that professionals can enjoy a higher quality of life and increased purchasing power.
How can professionals in lower-paying industries transition into high-paying jobs in Tennessee?
Professionals looking to transition into high-paying jobs in Tennessee can take several steps:
– Identify transferable skills that align with in-demand, high-paying industries like healthcare or technology.
– Pursue relevant certifications or additional education to qualify for higher-paying positions.
– Network with professionals in target industries through LinkedIn and local industry events.
– Gain experience through internships, part-time work, or volunteering in the desired field.
– Tailor resumes and cover letters to highlight relevant skills and experiences for high-paying job postings.
By focusing on skill development and strategic networking, professionals can position themselves for a successful transition into higher-paying careers1
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What are some unconventional high-paying job opportunities in Tennessee that job seekers might overlook?
While healthcare and technology dominate the highest-paying jobs list, Tennessee offers several unconventional high-paying opportunities that job seekers might overlook:
– Box Truck Owner Operators: With an average salary of $106,090, this career combines entrepreneurship with logistics.
– Forensic Psychologists: Earning an average of $135,718, this role blends psychology with criminal justice.
– Wildlife Biologists: At $81,866 on average, this career offers a unique opportunity to work with Tennessee’s diverse ecosystems.
– Pilots: With an average salary of $96,238, this career provides both high pay and the chance to travel.
These roles often require specialized skills or certifications but can offer rewarding and lucrative career paths for those willing to explore less conventional options.
