NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - An increase in the minimum salary for teachers is on the horizon for Tennessee in 2026.

The minimum salary for teachers in the Volunteer State has been increasing over the last few years following a law passed by Gov. Bill Lee in 2023.

The Teacher Paycheck Protection Act raises the minimum teacher salary to $50,000 by 2026, an increase from $35,000 in 2019. The minimum salary also increased in 2023 ($44,500) and in 2025 ($47,000).

For the next school year, the Tennessee Department of Education’s budget presentation, released on Tuesday, shows that continued investment will allow for the raising of teacher minimum salaries to $50,000 across the state.

Previous Coverage:

Gov. Lee signs bill to increase minimum Tennessee teacher salary to $50K

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