Nashville, TN, August 29, 2025
This article breaks down common Austin Peay State University roles and their typical pay ranges, showing what Nashville residents and visitors should expect. From associate professors and social work faculty to operations managers, procurement specialists, marketing directors, and senior electricians, the piece explains salary bands and how those incomes translate into housing, commute, and lifestyle choices around Music City. It also offers practical tips for local job hunters—networking, highlighting measurable skills, and weighing total compensation including benefits. The overview helps prospective movers and current Nashvillians evaluate campus-based careers against local cost-of-living realities.
APSU Paychecks in Nashville: Who’s Earning What and Why It Matters
Listen up, Nashville. If you’re curious about jobs that pay well and keep you close to the city’s music, food, and neighborhood energy, here’s a lively look at the kinds of roles available through Austin Peay State University and what those paychecks might look like. Think of this as a local scoop from someone who knows the streets, the commute, and what makes a paycheck stretch around here.
The headline roles and the money
APSU offers a range of jobs that can be attractive to Nashville residents and visitors who might be thinking about a move, a second career, or simply want to understand the market. Some of the higher-paying roles include:
- Associate Professor — Typical yearly pay falls between about $68,000 and $99,000, with an average around $82,000. This is where the steady, professional academic dollars show up.
- Assistant Professor — Social Work — A tenure-track role sitting roughly between $63,900 and $80,900 per year.
- Operations Manager, Physical Plant — A practical leadership role keeping campus systems running, typically paid around $56,000 to $70,000 annually.
- Senior Procurement Specialist — The numbers range near $52,000 to $79,000, depending on experience and scope.
- Assistant Director of Marketing & Fan Experience — For folks who love events and branding, this role pulls in about $44,000 to $63,000 a year.
- Senior Electrician — High-skill trades matter, with salaries typically between $48,000 and $77,000.
What that paycheck means in Nashville
Living in Nashville can be a balancing act. A mid-to-high academic salary or a strong trade position can comfortably support life here, especially if you pick the right neighborhood and manage commute times. If you live closer to downtown, count on higher housing costs but shorter commutes. If you prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle, places to the west and south offer more space for the money but add travel time. For many APSU employees, the salary ranges listed can make a big difference in housing choices, savings potential, and weekend plans in and around Music City.
Who should consider these roles
If you are an educator, tradesperson, operations leader, or marketing pro, APSU offers positions that match a variety of skill sets and pay expectations. Visiting Nashvillians who want to explore a longer-term move should think about whether they want the university culture, the benefit packages that often come with public institutions, and the stability of campus-based work.
Insider tips for job seekers in Nashville
- Network locally. Campus hiring often moves faster when you have on-the-ground connections.
- Highlight practical skills for trade roles and measurable outcomes for academic or marketing roles.
- Consider total compensation. Benefits, retirement options, and job stability often make public-university packages competitive.
- Factor in Nashville living costs. A six-figure academic job will feel very different than a mid-$40k role when it comes to housing and nightlife budgets.
Thinking of visiting or moving here?
For visitors weighing whether Nashville could become home, seeing the local job landscape helps. Whether you love the downtown buzz, the food truck scene, or the quieter neighborhoods, knowing typical salaries gives you a realistic picture of lifestyle trade-offs. Many who visit and fall in love with Nashville find the cost-of-living tradeoffs manageable with the kinds of roles listed above.
Final quick take
Nashville residents and potential newcomers should view these APSU roles as solid anchors in a lively city. From professors to electricians, the university offers a mix of positions with competitive pay ranges. If you want stability, a chance to stay close to Music City action, and a paycheck that supports a local life, keep an eye on these kinds of openings.
FAQ — What Nashville needs to know
Q: Are these salaries typical for Nashville?
A: These ranges are competitive for university roles in the region. Some positions will match or exceed similar private-sector pay, especially when benefits are included.
Q: Can a single salary here support a household in Nashville?
A: It depends on lifestyle and location. Several of the higher-range positions can support a household comfortably, especially outside prime downtown neighborhoods.
Q: Do trade roles like electrician pay well long-term?
A: Yes. Skilled trades at a university can offer consistent work, good pay, and benefits that become more valuable over time.
Q: Are academic positions easy to get?
A: Academic roles can be competitive. Tenure-track spots require specific credentials and experience, but adjunct and staff roles may be more accessible.
Q: Where should Nashville job hunters start?
A: Begin with local networking, check university postings, and bring a clear resume that highlights relevant experience and Nashville roots or relocation plans.
Quick Reference Chart — APSU Roles and Pay Ranges
| Position | Typical Salary Range (Annual) | Why Nashville Should Care |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Professor | $68,000 – $99,000 | Strong mid-to-high income for stability and housing options. |
| Assistant Professor — Social Work | $63,900 – $80,900 | Supports community-focused careers and outreach in the city. |
| Operations Manager, Physical Plant | $56,000 – $70,000 | Practical leadership with steady income for family life. |
| Senior Procurement Specialist | $52,000 – $79,000 | Good mid-range pay; useful for logistics and supply-chain pros. |
| Assistant Director, Marketing & Fan Experience | $44,000 – $63,000 | Perfect for event and entertainment-minded residents. |
| Senior Electrician | $48,000 – $77,000 | High-skill trades that keep campus and city lights on. |
There you have it, Nashville. If you’re scouting for positions that let you stay close to live music and hot chicken, or if you’re visiting and dreaming about moving here, these numbers give you a solid sense of what to expect. Keep your eyes on campus job boards, brush up your resume, and remember: in Music City, the right job can tune your life just right.
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Author: HERE Nashville
The NASHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENashville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Nashville, Davidson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as CMA Fest, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, and Nashville Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Nashville Health Care Council, plus leading businesses in healthcare, automotive, and technology that power the local economy such as HCA Healthcare, Bridgestone Americas, and Asurion. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HEREMemphis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
