School Principal Salary in Tennessee

How Much Does a School Principal Make in Tennessee?

The typical School Principal salary in Tennessee ranges from $68,600 to $127,400, with the national median at $98,000.

Lead and manage school operations, staff, and student programs Your actual take-home pay as a School Principal in Tennessee depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for School Principal in Tennessee

As a School Principal working in Tennessee, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including School Principal professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Tennessee Has No State Income Tax

Great news! Tennessee is one of only 9 states with no state income tax. This means you keep more of your School Principal salary compared to working in states like California (up to 13.3% tax) or New York (up to 10.9% tax).

Example: A School Principal earning $98,000 in Tennessee saves approximately $4,900 to $9,800 per year in state income tax compared to high-tax states.

Cost of Living for School Principal in Tennessee

Your School Principal salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Tennessee. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $98,000 School Principal salary in a low-cost area of Tennessee provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

School Principal Salary Examples in Tennessee

Here's what different School Principal salary levels look like in Tennessee:

Entry-Level School Principal ($68,600)

• Gross annual salary: $68,600
• Federal tax: ~$8,232
• FICA: ~$5,248
• Approximate take-home: $51,450

Median School Principal ($98,000)

• Gross annual salary: $98,000
• Federal tax: ~$15,680
• FICA: ~$7,497
• Approximate take-home: $70,560

Experienced School Principal ($127,400)

• Gross annual salary: $127,400
• Federal tax: ~$28,028
• FICA: ~$9,746
• Approximate take-home: $82,810

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Tennessee salary calculator.

Compare School Principal Salaries Across States

The same School Principal salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $98,000 School Principal salary in California results in about $4,900 to $9,800 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Principal salary in Tennessee?

The average School Principal salary in Tennessee varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $98,000, with typical Tennessee salaries ranging from $68,600 to $127,400.

How much does a School Principal make after taxes in Tennessee?

After federal taxes, FICA, and typical deductions, a School Principal earning $98,000 in Tennessee takes home approximately $68,600 to $73,500 per year.

Is Tennessee a good state for School Principal professionals?

Yes! Tennessee's lack of state income tax means School Principal professionals keep more of their earnings. Combined with cost of living and career opportunities, Tennessee can be very attractive.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact School Principal take-home pay in Tennessee?

Use our Tennessee salary calculator →

Or compare School Principal salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.