Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Tennessee, we often picture scenic hikes, vibrant dining experiences, and a rich cultural history. However, Tennessee also boasts a robust economy and a thriving job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we analyze local economies to identify which industries are thriving, providing valuable insights for job seekers and those considering relocating for work.
In this article, we reveal the best industries for employment opportunities in Tennessee as of 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we identified the five best industries for jobs in Tennessee:
Continue reading to learn how we determined the top industries in Tennessee.
For more insights, explore the Tennessee job market here:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Nashville
- The 12 Best Small Companies to Work for in Nashville
- 20 Best Companies to Work For in Nashville
How We Identified the Best Industries in the Volunteer State for Jobs
We believe that data provides a clearer picture than individual opinions. Thus, we embarked on a mission to gather extensive data on the Tennessee job market.
To identify the best industries, we evaluated the following criteria:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Job Stress Level in the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
The stress level is based on self-reported statistics from professionals in the industry. We ranked each industry from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
By averaging these rankings, we created a ‘Best Industry’ index. The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry emerged as the top industry in Tennessee.
Refer to the detailed table at the bottom for more data. Now, let’s explore why these industries excel in job opportunities.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Tennessee
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $66,970 |
| 2 | Management | $94,440 |
| 3 | Architecture and Engineering | $73,010 |
| 4 | Production and Manufacturing | $34,150 |
| 5 | Office and Administrative Support | $34,460 |
| 6 | Education, Training, and Library | $47,410 |
| 7 | Legal | $96,240 |
| 8 | Business and Financial Operations | $64,020 |
| 9 | Transportation | $32,720 |
| 10 | Computer and Mathematical | $71,930 |
| 11 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $43,900 |
| 12 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $49,660 |
| 13 | Sales | $35,510 |
| 14 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $62,960 |
| 15 | Community and Social Service | $39,690 |
| 16 | Protective Service | $37,520 |
| 17 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $20,670 |
| 18 | Construction and Extraction | $40,000 |
| 19 | Personal Care and Service | $23,420 |
| 20 | Healthcare Support | $27,950 |
| 21 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $24,650 |
| 22 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $29,140 |
Summarizing the Best Industries in Tennessee
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry stands out as the top sector for job seekers in Tennessee.
Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry industry ranks as the least favorable due to lower wages and limited job opportunities.
For further reading, check out:
- The 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in Tennessee
- The 10 Best Places in Tennessee to Get a Job
- The 10 Best Jobs in Tennessee for Recent College Graduates
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
