Lawyers in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $155,290, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state's economic landscape, including the demand for legal services, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic health of Tennessee.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $155,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,935.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,830 legal professionals, Tennessee presents a substantial, albeit less concentrated, market for lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that lawyers are less prevalent in Tennessee compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially less saturated job market and opportunities for those entering the field.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Tennessee have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and evolving legal needs within the state likely contribute to a steady, upward trajectory in compensation for legal professionals.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Tennessee
The career path for lawyers in Tennessee, as elsewhere, typically involves significant salary progression with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can expect to earn substantially more, with higher percentiles reflecting senior roles and greater earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $66,060 | $31.8 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $116,468 | $56 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $130,570 | $62.8 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $194,113 | $93.3 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $232,935 | $112 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$155,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$171,781
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $155,290 in Tennessee is quite advantageous when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of a lawyer's salary in Tennessee is likely higher than the nominal figure suggests, offering a good standard of living.
Job Market Context
8,830
Total Jobs
2.696
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.56x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.56 signifies that lawyers are less concentrated in Tennessee than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled legal professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Lawyers Salary | $166,410↑ 7% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Lawyers Salary | $140,410↓ 10% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Lawyers Salary | $145,240↓ 6% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Lawyers Salary | $114,680↓ 26% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Lawyers Salary | $98,780↓ 36% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Tennessee is $155,290. This typically ranges from $66,060 for entry-level positions to $232,935 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 20.3% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, with a lower cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $155,290 average salary, making it a financially sound location.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Lawyers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($166,410) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Tennessee's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Tennessee earn an average of $155,290 annually, which is less than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 0.56 for lawyers, indicating a lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect a lawyer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $155,290 salary offers greater purchasing power.
How many lawyers are employed in Tennessee?
There are approximately 8,830 lawyers employed in Tennessee, representing 2.696 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,830 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 2.696 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee