BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Retail Salespersons in Tennessee

$35,010 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$16.83 per hour

▼ 6.2% below U.S. average36th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$35,010per year
Median$31,950per year
Hourly$16.83per hour
10th – 90th percentile$23,720 – $47,720per year

Retail Salespersons Pay Range in Tennessee

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$23,720
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$28,070
  • 50th Percentile — Median$31,950
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$36,660
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$47,720

Half of Retail Salespersons in Tennessee earn more than $31,950. The top 10% make $47,720 or more, while entry-level workers start around $23,720.

Retail Salespersons in Tennessee: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • Tennessee ranks 36th of 51 states for Retail Salespersons pay, at $35,010 per year (6.2% below the U.S. average of $37,310).
  • 87,380 people work as Retail Salespersons in Tennessee — 2.2% of all U.S. Retail Salespersons jobs.
  • Location quotient 1.06: Retail Salespersons jobs are more concentrated in Tennessee than in the U.S. overall.
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $23,720; the top 10% earn over $47,720.
  • Hourly equivalent: $16.83 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Washington at $43,530.
  • Among sales jobs in Tennessee, Securities Commodities Financial Services Sales pays the most ($79,370).

Retail Salespersons Job Market in Tennessee

Key factors affecting compensation

Tennessee's key industries are Healthcare, Manufacturing, Tourism, and its job market is rated strong. Retail Salespersons here earn $35,010 on average, placing the state 36th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.88 (U.S. = 1.00), a Tennessee salary of $35,010 is roughly equivalent to $39,784 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Florida ($36,000), New Mexico ($35,500), Nebraska ($35,220) are the closest alternatives for Retail Salespersons weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Retail Salespersons salary in Tennessee?

The average Retail Salespersons salary in Tennessee is $35,010 per year (median $31,950), which is 6.2% below the national average of $37,310.

How does Tennessee rank for Retail Salespersons pay?

Tennessee ranks 36th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Washington ($43,530/yr).

How much do entry-level Retail Salespersons make in Tennessee?

The lowest-paid 10% of Retail Salespersons in Tennessee earn about $23,720 per year and the 25th percentile is $28,070.

How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Tennessee?

About $16.83 per hour, based on the $35,010 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

How many Retail Salespersons work in Tennessee?

BLS counts 87,380 Retail Salespersons jobs in Tennessee (OEWS May 2025).

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