Average Legal Occupations Salary in Tennessee
In Tennessee, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $109,850. This figure is notably below the national average of $143,370, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the state's legal sector. The state's unique market conditions and cost of living contribute to this localized compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $109,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,250.
- Outlook: Tennessee's legal job market is supported by a substantial workforce of 18,180 individuals. The location quotient of 0.67 indicates that legal occupations are less concentrated in Tennessee compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not overly saturated market. With 5.552 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand appears steady, offering a solid foundation for legal professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Tennessee earns-23.4%below the national average.
$52.8
$2,113
$9,154
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Legal Occupations across the United States, including Tennessee, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for legal services, and the evolving complexity of legal practice, leading to higher compensation for experienced professionals.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Salary progression within Legal Occupations in Tennessee is significantly influenced by experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior roles, particularly those requiring specialized expertise or leadership, can see substantial increases. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies the career advancement and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $44,120 | $21.2 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $82,388 | $39.6 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $80,430 | $38.7 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $137,313 | $66 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $208,250 | $100.1 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$109,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$121,515
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $109,850 in Tennessee presents a favorable financial picture when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of Tennessee residents is generally higher than the national standard. Therefore, the nominal salary, while lower than the national average, can translate into a comparable or even improved standard of living.
Job Market Context
18,180
Total Jobs
5.552
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.67x the national average concentration of Legal Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.67, Legal Occupations are less prevalent in Tennessee's workforce compared to the national landscape. This suggests that while there is a presence of legal professionals, the market is not as saturated as in other regions. This could imply a competitive environment for highly specialized roles but potentially more opportunities for general practitioners seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Legal Occupations Salary | $116,840↑ 6% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Legal Occupations Salary | $93,000↓ 15% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Legal Occupations Salary | $96,990↓ 12% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Legal Occupations Salary | $80,170↓ 27% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Legal Occupations Salary | $72,520↓ 34% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Tennessee is $109,850. This typically ranges from $44,120 for entry-level positions to $208,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 23.4% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Tennessee offers a competitive average salary of $109,850, which, when combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides a strong financial standing. However, it is important to note this is below the national average salary for the profession.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
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 ($116,840) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Tennessee's cost of living affect the legal salary?
Tennessee's Cost of Living Index of 90.4 means everyday expenses are generally lower than the national average. This allows the $109,850 average salary to potentially offer a higher real income and better purchasing power than a similar salary in a higher cost-of-living state.
What is the concentration of legal jobs in Tennessee?
The Location Quotient of 0.67 indicates that legal occupations are less concentrated in Tennessee compared to the national average. This suggests a moderate level of competition and availability for legal professionals within the state.
How many legal jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Tennessee?
There are approximately 5.552 legal jobs per 1,000 workers in Tennessee. This metric provides insight into the relative prevalence of legal roles within the state's overall employment landscape.
Is the legal job market growing in Tennessee?
While specific growth rates aren't provided, the steady workforce size and jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a stable market. General economic trends and increasing demand for legal services typically indicate a positive outlook for salary growth over time.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 18,180 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 5.552 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee