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Human Resources Managers Salary in Tennessee: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Human Resources Managers salary really buy you in Tennessee?

Tennessee is 8.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$131,760
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$143,529
COL-adjusted (RPP=91.8)

Tennessee Cost of Living Index

Tennessee's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 91.8, meaning prices are 8.2% lower the national average. A Human Resources Managers earning $131,760 in Tennessee has the equivalent purchasing power of $143,529 in an average-cost US state.

TN: 91.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $85,160 $92,766 +$7,606
25th Percentile (P25) $103,560 $112,810 +$9,250
Median (P50) $131,760 $143,529 +$11,769
75th Percentile (P75) $168,970 $184,063 +$15,093
90th Percentile (P90) $218,300 $237,799 +$19,499
Key Insight

A Human Resources Managers in Tennessee earns $131,760 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $143,529 in an average-cost state. This makes Tennessee one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Tennessee Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 91.8

Tennessee's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 91.8 means a basket of goods and services costs about 8.2% less than the national average. For a Human Resources Managers, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.9%

After applying Tennessee's RPP, the $131,760 median salary translates to $143,529 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Human Resources Managers.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#22 / 51

Tennessee sits at #22 of 51 states for Human Resources Managers COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Human Resources Managers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Human Resources Managers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$166,160
RPP 109.4
$164,172
RPP 107.6
$162,658
RPP 102.3
$162,566
RPP 102.1
$159,608
RPP 104.7
$158,492
RPP 108.8
$158,104
RPP 116.6
$157,389
RPP 97.7
9. Georgia
$157,306
RPP 95.8
10. Delaware
$157,030
RPP 98.0

Tennessee ranks #22 out of 51 states for Human Resources Managers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Human Resources Managers take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Human Resources Managers in Tennessee after cost of living?

A Human Resources Managers in Tennessee earns a median salary of $131,760 per year. After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $143,529 — a +8.9% difference.

Is Tennessee expensive to live in?

Tennessee's cost of living is 8.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Tennessee is 91.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Human Resources Managers in Tennessee: $131,760 x (100 / 91.8) = $143,529. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Human Resources Managers in Tennessee financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Human Resources Managers in Tennessee enjoys 8.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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