Known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee boasts a multifaceted economy that provides opportunities for people of all skill levels. Tennessee’s major industries range from manufacturing to healthcare, making it an attractive place to live and work. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Nashville or apartments in Memphis, Tennessee’s economic stability supports the housing market. Those considering moving to Tennessee will find vibrant cities, beautiful scenery, and job opportunities in a variety of fields. The state’s business-friendly environment and workforce development efforts further increase its attractiveness to potential home buyers and renters.
Tennessee Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Tennessee
Walmart: 46,300 employees Vanderbilt University Medical Center: 24,000 employees Amazon: 24,000 employees Kroger: 18,300 employees Nissan Motor Co.: 12,000 employees
Tennessee’s 10 Major Industries
1. Manufacturing
Major employers: Nissan North America (Franklin), Volkswagen Group of America (Tennessee location), Eastman Chemical Company (Kingsport)
Manufacturing is the cornerstone of Tennessee’s economy, producing everything from cars to chemicals. Nissan and Volkswagen have large factories in the state, creating jobs for engineers, technicians and assembly line workers. Eastman Chemical Company offers chemical engineering, research, and production management roles. With a strong infrastructure and skilled workforce, Tennessee continues to attract major manufacturers.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Franklin or Chattanooga.
2. Healthcare
Major Employers: HCA Healthcare (Nashville), Community Health Systems (Franklin), Acadia Healthcare (Franklin)
Tennessee has a thriving healthcare industry with companies like HCA Healthcare and Community Health Systems. Jobs in this field include nursing, administrative, and medical technology roles. Nashville is a hub for healthcare innovation and offers careers in healthcare IT and hospital management. The growing demand for quality care has secured many opportunities for professionals.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Nashville or Franklin.
3. Entertainment and music
Major Employers: Gibson Brands (Nashville), Sony Music Nashville (Nashville), Ryman Hospitality Properties (Nashville)
Tennessee is known for its music and entertainment scene, with artists from the Volunteer State ranging from Tina Turner to Miley Cyrus. Gibson Brands makes iconic guitars, and Sony Music Nashville promotes country and pop artists. Job duties include music production, marketing, and event management. This industry attracts creative professionals from all over the world.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Nashville or Memphis.
4. Agriculture
Major Employers: Tyson Foods (Tennessee location), Pilgrim’s Pride (Tennessee location), Tractor Supply Company (Brentwood)
Agriculture in Tennessee includes poultry, livestock, and crops such as soybeans and cotton. The industry generated more than $5 billion in revenue in 2022. Tyson Foods and Pilgrim’s Pride operate large facilities in the state and employ workers in agriculture, food processing, and logistics. Tractor Supply Company focuses on retailing agricultural supplies and equipment. There are a variety of roles on offer in this field, from practical farming to business management.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Shelbyville or Chattanooga.
5.Automobile
Major employers: General Motors (based in Tennessee), Nissan North America (Franklin), Hankook Tire (based in Clarksville)
Tennessee is home to factories for General Motors and Nissan, making it a center for automobile manufacturing. Careers range from automotive engineering to production and quality control. Hankook has a manufacturing facility in Clarksville, which opens up even more opportunities. Its location in the center of the state makes it ideal for automotive logistics.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Spring Hill or Clarksville.
6. Technology
Major Employers: Asurion (Nashville), Medtronic (Memphis location), EPB (Chattanooga)
Tennessee’s technology industry is growing, especially in cities like Nashville and Chattanooga. In 2023, the industry generated $7.5 billion in the state. Asurion offers software development and customer support roles, Medtronic focuses on medical technology, and EPB offers careers in telecommunications and smart grid technology. Tennessee’s technology sector attracts young professionals and innovators.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Nashville or Chattanooga.
7. Tourism and hospitality
Major Employers: Dollywood (Pigeon Forge), Gaylord Opryland Resort (Nashville), Elvis Presley Enterprises (Memphis)
Tourism is essential to Tennessee. Iconic tourist attractions like Dollywood and Opryland Resort helped the industry generate more than $30 billion in revenue in 2023. Jobs include hospitality management, event planning, marketing, and more. Elvis Presley Enterprises is bringing tourism to Memphis and creating guest services and retail roles. This industry offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Pigeon Forge or Memphis.
8. Logistics and delivery
Major employers: FedEx (Memphis), Amazon (Tennessee location), Bridgestone Americas (Nashville)
Tennessee’s strategic location makes it a logistics powerhouse. Headquartered in Memphis, FedEx is an industry leader and employs pilots, package handlers, and logistics managers. Amazon has multiple fulfillment centers offering warehousing and operations jobs. Bridgestone Americas also supports the role of logistics in tire manufacturing.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Memphis or Nashville.
9. Education
Major Employers: Vanderbilt University (Nashville), University of Tennessee (Knoxville), Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro)
Education is a major industry in Tennessee and is supported by prestigious educational institutions such as Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University. Careers range from teaching to management to research. Universities also contribute to local economies through innovation and human resource development. Educational professionals find rewarding careers at these thriving academic centers.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Nashville or Knoxville.
10. Energy
Major Employers: Tennessee Valley Authority (Knoxville), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge), Enexor BioEnergy (Franklin)
Tennessee’s energy sector includes nuclear, renewable energy, and bioenergy. The Tennessee Valley Authority employs engineers, environmental scientists, and technicians. Oak Ridge National Laboratory focuses on energy research and innovation. Enexor BioEnergy provides opportunities for clean energy development. This sector is growing due to the state’s sustainability efforts.
Considering moving to Tennessee to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Knoxville or Oak Ridge.
