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Library Technicians Salary in Tennessee: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Library Technicians 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
$36,400
Median annual (2025)
+8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$39,651
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 Library Technicians earning $36,400 in Tennessee has the equivalent purchasing power of $39,651 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) $20,980 $22,854 +$1,874
25th Percentile (P25) $29,070 $31,666 +$2,596
Median (P50) $36,400 $39,651 +$3,251
75th Percentile (P75) $45,820 $49,912 +$4,092
90th Percentile (P90) $51,120 $55,686 +$4,566
Key Insight

A Library Technicians in Tennessee earns $36,400 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 9% further — like earning $39,651 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 Library Technicians, 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 $36,400 median salary translates to $39,651 in real terms — a 8.9% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Library Technicians.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#38 / 51

Tennessee's rank of #38 of 51 states means real purchasing power for Library Technicians trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Library Technicians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Library Technicians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$56,985
RPP 109.8
$53,627
RPP 106.4
$52,349
RPP 116.6
$52,313
RPP 97.7
5. Vermont
$49,545
RPP 101.1
$49,384
RPP 94.2
$48,551
RPP 98.0
$47,920
RPP 96.2
9. Nevada
$47,354
RPP 96.4
$47,342
RPP 112.5

Tennessee ranks #38 out of 51 states for Library Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Library Technicians take-home pay in Tennessee after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Library Technicians in Tennessee after cost of living?

A Library Technicians in Tennessee earns a median salary of $36,400 per year. After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (RPP=91.8), the real purchasing power is $39,651 — 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 Library Technicians in Tennessee: $36,400 x (100 / 91.8) = $39,651. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Library Technicians in Tennessee financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Library Technicians 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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