Tennessee Job Market Top Industries & Salaries

Job Market in Tennessee: Top Industries, Salaries & Employment Trends

Considering a move to Tennessee? Whether you’re relocating for a better cost of living, escaping high-tax states, or simply drawn to Southern charm job opportunities will likely shape your decision. The good news? Tennessee job market is growing steadily, offering a mix of blue-collar and white-collar roles across urban and rural communities.

In this guide, we’ll break down the job market in Tennessee, including its top industries, average salaries, employment growth trends, and what it’s really like to work and build a career in the Volunteer State.

Overview: Tennessee Employment Landscape

Tennessee is home to a diverse and growing economy supported by strong infrastructure, no state income tax, and a business-friendly environment. Major corporations like FedEx (Memphis), Nissan North America (Franklin), Amazon, and HCA Healthcare (Nashville) fuel statewide employment, while small businesses remain the backbone of local economies.

Top Industries in Tennessee

1. Healthcare & Social Assistance

• Key Employers: HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Health, Community Health Systems

• Hotspots: Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis

• Why It’s Thriving: Aging population, medical tourism, biotech innovation

• Popular Roles: RNs, physical therapists, health tech, medical assistants

2. Transportation & Logistics

• Key Employers: FedEx, UPS, XPO Logistics

• Hotspots: Memphis (largest cargo airport in the U.S.), Chattanooga

• Why It’s Thriving: Central U.S. location, major highway systems

• Popular Roles: Truck drivers, logistics coordinators, warehouse techs

3. Manufacturing

• Key Employers: Nissan, Bridgestone, Eastman Chemical

• Hotspots: Smyrna, Chattanooga, Morristown

• Why It’s Thriving: Low operational costs, skilled labor pipeline

• Popular Roles: Machine operators, engineers, quality assurance

4. Tourism & Hospitality

• Key Employers: Dollywood, Gaylord Hotels, Graceland

• Hotspots: Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Memphis

• Why It’s Thriving: Live music, Great Smoky Mountains, national parks

• Popular Roles: Hotel staff, tour guides, event coordinators, chefs

5. Technology & Startups

• Key Employers: Oracle (Nashville campus), LaunchTN-backed startups

• Hotspots: Nashville (growing tech scene), Chattanooga (early gigabit city)

• Why It’s Thriving: State funding, lower cost of living, influx of tech talent

• Popular Roles: Developers, analysts, cybersecurity, project managers

Average Salaries in Tennessee (by Industry)

Tennessee ranks slightly below the national average in salaries, but this is offset by a significantly lower cost of living and no personal income tax.

Employment Trends to Watch

Job Growth Areas

• Healthcare support roles

• Construction and skilled trades

• Remote-friendly tech roles

• Renewable energy installation

• Food service & delivery (post-pandemic boom)

Challenges

• Rural areas may have fewer job options

• Lower minimum wage (still $7.25/hr)

• Wages in service jobs may lag behind cost increases in cities like Nashville

Best Cities in Tennessee for Job Seekers

Remote Work in Tennessee

Tennessee’s low housing costs, suburban growth, and improving internet infrastructure make it a solid choice for remote workers, especially in areas like:

• Chattanooga (early gigabit internet infrastructure)

• Franklin & Brentwood (suburban Nashville)

• Johnson City & Kingsport (more affordable, scenic East TN)

While rural broadband access still needs improvement in some counties, urban and mid-sized cities offer excellent conditions for remote jobs.

Resources for Job Seekers in Tennessee

• Jobs4TN.gov — State employment portal

• Launch Tennessee — Startup jobs and innovation hub

• TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development

• City-specific job boards (NashvilleJobs, MemphisWorks, etc.)

• Chamber of Commerce websites (local business directories)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there good jobs in Tennessee for recent college grads?

Yes. Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga have growing demand in healthcare, IT, marketing, and hospitality. Cost of living also makes it easier to start post-college life.

Q: What’s the average salary in Tennessee?

As of 2024, the median individual salary ranges from $45,000–$55,000, depending on industry and location. Nashville and Franklin typically pay higher than rural areas.

Q: Is Tennessee good for small businesses?

Absolutely. The state offers low taxes, simple regulations, and programs supporting entrepreneurship. Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga are hotspots for new ventures.

Q: What are Tennessee biggest employers?

• FedEx (Memphis)

• HCA Healthcare (Nashville)

• Nissan (Smyrna)

• Vanderbilt University

• Amazon (multiple fulfillment centers)

Q: Can I work remotely from Tennessee?

Yes. While rural internet can be a hurdle in some areas, most cities (especially Chattanooga, Nashville suburbs, and Knoxville) are great for remote workers.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee job market is diverse, growing, and increasingly competitive particularly in metro areas like Nashville and Chattanooga. While wages may not match coastal cities, the lack of state income tax and affordable living more than make up for it. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, tech worker, truck driver, or entrepreneur, Tennessee offers real potential to build a career and a life that works for you.