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Supply Chain Management Salary in Tennessee: Is It a Good Career?

Tennessee · 2026 BLS salary data

Supply Chain Management pay in Tennessee

The median wage is $71,280/yr — 13% below the national median. Among U.S. states, Tennesseeranks #48 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Tennessee

Real BLS state-level figures for Supply Chain Management.

Median salary
$71,280/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$49,710 – $91,970
National median
$82,320/yr
Employed in Tennessee
4,990

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Tennessee

Salary alone can mislead — Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
91.9
Nominal median
$71,280
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $77,563
State income tax
None

Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #44 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #48 on raw salary.

Tennessee levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do supply chain management professionals make in Tennessee?

The median annual wage is $71,280 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $49,710 and $91,970. That's 13% below the national median.

Is Tennessee a good state for supply chain management?

By raw pay, Tennessee ranks #48 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $77,563. Because Tennessee costs 8% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #44 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #48 on raw salary. And with no state income tax, more of that pay stays in your pocket.

Are supply chain management professionals in demand in Tennessee?

About 4,990 people work in this field in Tennessee (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +16.7% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Supply Chain Management nationally — Tennessee pay is 13% below the national median. See the full Supply Chain Management career guide →

The verdict

Yes — supply chain and logistics offers strong, much-faster-than-average growth, solid pay, and broad demand that's only risen since recent global disruptions. It's a practical, in-demand field, though it can be high-pressure and less widely understood than flashier careers.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Much-faster-than-average projected growth
  • Solid pay with clear advancement
  • Rising strategic importance since global disruptions
  • Broad demand across manufacturing and retail
  • Accessible entry; certifications help

Cons

  • High-pressure when disruptions hit
  • Can involve long or irregular hours
  • Less understood/visible than flashier fields
  • Some roles require on-site presence
  • Metrics- and deadline-driven

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People who like operations and optimization
  • Those wanting strong growth and demand
  • Anyone drawn to practical, real-world problems

✗ Probably not if…

  • People wanting highly creative work
  • Those who dislike operational pressure

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Supply Chain Management is worth it — titles link to the original threads.