No State Income Tax · Nashville & Beyond · 2026

Tennessee Salary Calculator 2026

Calculate your exact take-home pay in Tennessee. Enter your salary below to see a full breakdown of federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and your net pay — updated for the 2026 tax year.

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⭐ Tennessee has zero state income tax
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  • Federal income tax (2026 brackets)
  • Social Security & Medicare
  • Pre-tax 401(k) & health insurance
  • Tennessee state income tax: $0.00

Tennessee Income Tax: What You Need to Know in 2026

Tennessee stands out as one of only nine US states with no state income tax. Tennessee has never taxed earned wages, and the former tax on investment income was fully eliminated. This means Tennessee residents only pay federal taxes: income tax (based on 2026 brackets), Social Security at 6.2% (up to the $184,500 wage base), and Medicare at 1.45%.

Compared to California (up to 13.3% state tax) or New York (up to 10.9%), a Tennessee worker earning $100,000 keeps an extra $5,000–$10,000 per year.

2026 Federal Tax Brackets — Single Filer

Taxable Income Rate Tax on This Bracket
$0 – $12,400 10% Up to $1,240.00
$12,400 – $50,400 12% Up to $4,560.00
$50,400 – $105,700 22% Up to $12,166.00
$105,700 – $201,775 24% Up to $23,058.00
$201,775 – $256,225 32% Up to $17,424.00
$256,225 – $640,600 35% Up to $134,531.25
Over $640,600 37% 37% on excess

Standard deduction (2026): $16,100 single · $32,200 married filing jointly · $24,150 head of household.

FICA Taxes in Tennessee (Social Security & Medicare)

  • Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $184,500 (2026 wage base). Maximum SS tax = $11,439/year. Pre-tax employer health insurance reduces this; 401(k) does not.
  • Medicare: 1.45% on all wages with no cap. An additional 0.9% applies on wages above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).

Tennessee Salary Calculator by City

Select your city for local salary data and a city-specific take-home pay breakdown.

Nashville $64K avg Memphis $52K avg Knoxville $53K avg Chattanooga $54K avg Clarksville $50K avg Murfreesboro $56K avg Franklin $73K avg Brentwood $83K avg Smyrna $58K avg Hendersonville $61K avg

Tennessee Salary & Tax FAQ

Does Tennessee have a state income tax in 2026?
No. Tennessee has no state income tax on wages or salaries. Tennessee workers — in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin, and everywhere in the state — only pay federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). There is no Tennessee state withholding on earned income.
Did Tennessee used to have an income tax?
Tennessee previously had a narrow tax on investment income only (dividends and interest), which was phased out and fully eliminated. This tax never applied to wages, salaries, or earned income. Tennessee residents have always kept 100% of their earned wages free of state income tax, making Tennessee a highly attractive state for workers and retirees alike.
What are the 2026 federal income tax brackets for Tennessee workers?
For single filers, the 2026 federal marginal rates are: 10% (up to $12,400), 12% ($12,400–$50,400), 22% ($50,400–$105,700), 24% ($105,700–$201,775), 32% ($201,775–$256,225), 35% ($256,225–$640,600), and 37% above $640,600. For married filing jointly, the first bracket is $24,800 (10%), then $100,800 (12%), etc.
Why is Nashville called the healthcare capital of the US?
Nashville is home to HCA Healthcare — the world's largest for-profit hospital company — along with more than 300 other healthcare companies. The city generates more revenue per capita from healthcare companies than any other US city. This concentration creates exceptional demand for nurses, physicians, healthcare administrators, IT professionals, and finance talent, driving salaries well above the national average for these roles.
Which Tennessee cities have the highest average salaries?
Tennessee's highest-paying cities are Brentwood ($83K avg), Franklin ($73K avg), Hendersonville ($61K avg), Nashville ($64K avg), and Smyrna ($58K avg). Brentwood and Franklin, in wealthy Williamson County, host dozens of corporate headquarters paying executive-level salaries.
How does Tennessee compare to other no-income-tax states?
Among the nine no-income-tax states, Tennessee stands out for its combination of low cost of living and strong corporate job market. Nashville consistently ranks among the fastest-growing metros for corporate relocations. Compared to Texas (higher cost of living in major cities) or Florida (higher property insurance costs), Tennessee — particularly the Nashville metro — offers an excellent overall financial profile for workers.
How do pre-tax 401(k) contributions affect my Tennessee paycheck?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable income dollar-for-dollar. Since Tennessee has no state income tax, the only savings are on federal taxes. At the 22% federal bracket (common for Nashville metro workers at average salaries), a $5,000 401(k) contribution saves $1,100 in federal income tax. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+).