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Nonprofit Executive Director & CEO Salary in Tennessee

Median Total Compensation
$84,616
25th
$44k
75th
$149k
90th
$250k

Across 2,928 Tennessee nonprofits, the median total compensation for executive directors is $84,616. Each organization counts once, using its most recent IRS Form 990 filing from fiscal years 2019 to 2024. Total compensation includes base salary, bonus, and other reportable compensation.

Data updated July 1, 2026

Executive Director Compensation by Organization Size in Tennessee

Compensation varies significantly by organization revenue.

Org Revenue25thMedian75thOrganizations
Under $1M$28,000$54,009$85,0001,544
$1M - $5M$77,310$112,710$155,287760
$5M - $25M$119,629$176,648$256,520413
$25M - $100M$168,140$265,536$389,856139
Over $100M$273,370$459,922$858,95272

Top Cities for Executive Director Positions in Tennessee

Cities with the most nonprofit executive directors reporting compensation.

Sample Compensation Records in Tennessee

Recent compensation data from IRS Form 990 filings.

$33k
Executive Di
Nashville, TN|Revenue: $128k|2024
$57k
Executive Di
Nashville, TN|Revenue: $153k|2023
$111k
Executive Director
Chattanooga, TN|Revenue: $3.8M|2023
$111k
Executive Director
Chattanooga, TN|Revenue: $3.8M|2022
$73k
President and Director
Unicoi, TN|Revenue: $239k|2024
$73k
President and Director
Unicoi, TN|Revenue: $99k|2023

Nearby States

Related guide for this roleNonprofit Executive Director SalaryWhat nonprofit executive directors earn, what drives the number, and how to use public compensation data whether you are a candidate, a current ED, or a board member.