Project Manager in Knoxville, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Knoxville Stands

Knoxville offers a compelling salary proposition for Project Managers, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a Project Manager in Knoxville is $99,092/year, translating to an **hourly rate of $47.64/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the gap narrows significantly—or even reverses—when you account for Knoxville's affordable housing and lower overall expenses.

The local job market is stable and growing. The metro area has approximately 396 Project Manager jobs available at any given time, with a 10-year job growth of 6%. This indicates a healthy, steady demand rather than a volatile boom-and-bust cycle. For a mid-career professional, this stability is a major asset.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Knoxville market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys; your specific offer will depend on industry (e.g., construction vs. tech) and company size.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Knoxville)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Assisting senior PMs, managing small project components, documentation, scheduling.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading medium-sized projects, managing budgets ($500K-$2M), direct client/customer interaction.
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$105,000 - $130,000	Leading complex, multi-phase projects, managing cross-functional teams, strategic planning.
Expert/Leadership (12+ years)	$130,000 - $160,000+	Portfolio management, program director roles, executive stakeholder management, mentoring.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Knoxville’s construction and engineering sectors, bonuses can add 5-15% to your total compensation. In tech, look for equity or stock options, especially with companies connected to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) or the University of Tennessee.

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:

• Nashville: Salaries are higher (median often $105,000+), but the cost of living, particularly rent, is 30-40% higher than Knoxville. The job market is also more competitive.
• Chattanooga: Salaries are very similar to Knoxville's ($96,000 - $102,000), with a slightly lower cost of living. The job market is smaller, with a focus on manufacturing and logistics.
• Memphis: Salaries can be slightly lower, but the market is strong in logistics and healthcare. The cost of living is comparable to Knoxville.

For a Project Manager prioritizing a high quality of life and financial stability, Knoxville presents a strong value proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you secure a job at the median salary of $99,092/year, here’s what your monthly budget might look like in Knoxville.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $99,092 / 12 = $8,257.67
• Taxes (Est. 22% Effective Rate): This includes federal, FICA (7.65%), and state taxes (Tennessee has no state income tax, a huge benefit). $1,816.69/month
• Net Take-Home Pay (after taxes): $6,440.98/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,000/month (Knoxville average, per the provided data)

Sample Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,441	After taxes
Rent (1BR Apt)	($1,000)	Can be lower in suburbs; downtown is higher
Utilities	($150)	Electricity, water, internet, trash
Groceries	($400)	For one person
Transportation	($350)	Car payment, insurance, gas (Knoxville is car-dependent)
Healthcare	($200)	Employer-sponsored plan premiums & copays
Retirement (401k)	($413)	5% of gross salary (highly recommended)
Debt/Student Loans	($300)	Varies widely per person
Personal/Entertainment	($500)	Dining out, hobbies, streaming, etc.
Remaining/Savings	$1,128	For emergency fund, extra savings, or a house down payment

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. This is one of Knoxville's biggest advantages. With a $1,128/month surplus, you could save for a down payment in a few years. The median home price in the Knoxville metro is around $300,000. For a 20% down payment ($60,000), you'd need to save for ~5 years at a rate of $1,000/month. Many locals use FHA loans (3.5% down) or VA loans (if applicable) to buy sooner. A Project Manager's stable income is highly attractive to lenders. A monthly mortgage payment on a $300,000 home is often comparable to renting a nicer apartment, making homeownership a realistic goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Knoxville's Major Employers

Knoxville's economy is diverse, anchored by government, education, and a growing private sector. Project Managers are needed across these fields. Here are seven key employers to target:

1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL): A massive federal research facility managed by UT-Battelle. They hire Project Managers for R&D projects, facility management, and IT. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on nuclear, materials science, and computing projects. Security clearance can be a plus.
2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK): As a major research university, UTK needs PMs for construction projects (new dorms, labs), IT implementations, and research grant management. Hiring Trend: Steady, often tied to state budget cycles and capital campaigns.
3. Pilot Flying J: The world's largest travel center company, headquartered in Knoxville. They need PMs for supply chain, retail operations, IT systems (like their driver app), and corporate initiatives. Hiring Trend: Strong growth in technology and logistics projects.
4. Covenant Health: A large, non-profit regional health system with multiple hospitals (e.g., Parkwest, Fort Sanders). They hire PMs for clinical system implementations (EHR), facility expansions, and process improvement. Hiring Trend: High demand due to ongoing healthcare digitization and expansion.
5. Regal Entertainment Group (now a part of AMC): While recently acquired, their legacy headquarters still employs many in Knoxville. PMs are needed for digital initiatives, theater upgrades, and corporate projects. Hiring Trend: Shifted focus toward digital customer experience and streaming integration.
6. local Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like Crawford Brothers, H.S., and Bennett & Thomason are constantly bidding on projects for public and private clients. They need PMs with PE (Professional Engineer) licenses or PMP certifications. Hiring Trend: Steady, driven by Knoxville's population growth and infrastructure needs.
7. Tech Startups & Scale-ups: Knoxville's innovation scene is growing, supported by the Oak Ridge Innovation Institute and TechStar. Companies like Aera (energy) and various software firms hire agile PMs. Hiring Trend: Emerging, with more opportunities for those comfortable with agile and Scrum methodologies.

Insider Tip: The Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce and Knoxville Tech Council are essential networking hubs. Many jobs are filled through connections before they're ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee does not have a state-specific "Project Manager License." However, depending on your industry, certain certifications or licenses are critical.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP): This is the gold standard, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It's not state-mandated but is often required by employers, especially in construction and engineering.
   • Cost: ~$405 (PMI member) or ~$555 (non-member) for the exam. Study materials can add $200-$500.
   • Timeline: 3-6 months of study and application. Requires 36 months of leading projects (with a bachelor's) or 60 months (without).
2. Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you work in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering projects (e.g., construction, infrastructure), a PE license is essential for signing off on designs and taking legal responsibility.
   • Requirements: ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of experience under a PE, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Cost: ~$300 for FE exam, ~$350 for PE exam. Total licensing fees ~$200.
   • Timeline: A multi-year process. You can start working with an EIT (Engineer in Training) title while earning your experience.
3. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): A great entry-level certification from PMI for those new to project management. Less costly and less experience-heavy than the PMP.

State Licensing Board: For engineering licenses, contact the Tennessee Board of Engineering and Geology. For general project management, no state board is needed.

Recommendation: If you're moving from a non-engineering field (like IT or marketing), prioritize the PMP. If you're in engineering, start your PE process immediately if you haven't already.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Knoxville is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute. As a Project Manager, you'll likely need to commute to your office, so location matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Best For
West Knoxville (Bearden/Pellissippi)	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to downtown.	$1,100 - $1,400	Project Managers with families or those who want modern amenities, easy highway access (I-40/I-140).
North Knoxville (4th & Gill, Old North)	Historic, walkable, eclectic. 10-15 min commute to downtown.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals, those who prefer character over cookie-cutter apartments. Good for biking to work.
Downtown/South Waterfront	Urban, vibrant, walkable to restaurants and events. 5-10 min commute to most offices.	$1,300 - $1,800	Those who want a car-optional lifestyle and a social scene. Can be noisy.
Farragut/West Knox	Very suburban, top-rated schools, very safe. 25-35 min commute to downtown.	$1,200 - $1,500	Established professionals with families who prioritize schools and space over short commutes.
The Island/Sevier County	Touristy, mountain views, more relaxed pace. 20-30 min commute to downtown.	$900 - $1,300	Outdoor enthusiasts who don't mind a longer commute for access to the Smokies.

Insider Tip: Traffic is generally manageable, but the I-40/I-140 interchange (the "Papermill" exit) can be a bottleneck during rush hour. If your office is in West Knoxville, living in West Knoxville or North Knoxville will save you time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Knoxville's growth is steady, not explosive, which is good for long-term planning. Here's how to advance:

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Construction/Engineering (with PE): Can command a 10-15% salary premium. High demand for public works and private development.
  • IT/Software (Agile/Scrum Master): Premium of 5-10%. The local tech scene is growing, and these skills are in demand.
  • Healthcare (EHR/Process Improvement): Premium of 5-8%. Covenant Health and other systems are continuously upgrading systems.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Manager to Senior PM to Program Manager or Director of Project Management. Another path is specialization: becoming an Agile Coach, a Construction Project Executive, or an IT Portfolio Manager. The presence of ORNL and UTK creates opportunities for advanced, research-oriented project management roles.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The 6% job growth is steady and sustainable. This translates to a solid number of openings each year, but not a frenzy. It means you'll need to be strategic. The most growth will be in technology integration, sustainable construction, and healthcare IT. Project Managers who can bridge traditional PM skills with these emerging areas will have the best prospects.

Insider Tip: Knoxville's professional network is tight-knit. Joining the PMI Knoxville Chapter is non-negotiable for serious career growth. They host monthly meetings, study groups, and an annual conference that is excellent for networking and learning about local job trends.

The Verdict: Is Knoxville Right for You?

Here’s a balanced breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living – Your salary goes much further than in coastal cities.	Smaller Job Market – Fewer opportunities than Nashville or national hubs.
Strong Community & Networking – Easy to build a professional network.	Limited Public Transit – A car is a necessity for most.
Outdoor Lifestyle – Proximity to the Smoky Mountains, lakes, and trails.	Salary Ceiling – Top-end salaries may be lower than in major metros.
Stable, Diverse Economy – Not reliant on one industry; resilient to downturns.	Can Feel "Small" – Social circles can be insular if you're not from the South.
No State Income Tax – A significant financial advantage.	Slower Pace of Innovation – Tech scene is growing but not at Austin/Seattle levels.

Final Recommendation:
Knoxville is an excellent choice for Project Managers who value work-life balance, financial stability, and a high quality of life over the highest possible salary and the fastest-paced career ladder. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, raise a family, or escape the grind of a major coastal city. It's less ideal for those seeking a hyper-competitive, high-growth tech startup environment or who rely heavily on public transportation. If you're a self-starter who can build your own network and adapt to a slightly slower pace, Knoxville offers a rewarding and sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a major coastal city. What will be the biggest lifestyle adjustment?
The biggest adjustment is the pace of life. Things move more slowly, traffic is lighter, and people are generally more polite but may be less direct. Socially, it can take time to break into established circles, but joining community groups (like the Chamber or PMI) is the fastest way to build connections.

2. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers here?
It's competitive in the sense that you need the right qualifications (PMP is often a baseline), but it's not as saturated as in larger metros. There are fewer applicants for each role, which can work in your favor. The key is targeting the right industries (construction, healthcare, tech) and networking locally.

3. Is it easy to find a job without a local address?
It's possible but challenging. Many employers prefer local candidates. Strategy: Use a Knoxville address on your resume (a friend's or a virtual mailbox) once you're serious about moving, or plan a 1-2 week "job hunting trip" to interview in person. Be upfront in applications about your relocation timeline.

4. What's the best way to network in Knoxville as a new resident?

1. Join the PMI Knoxville Chapter immediately. 2. Attend Knoxville Chamber of Commerce mixers. 3. Use LinkedIn to connect with Project Managers at your target companies (ORNL, Covenant, Pilot) and ask for a 15-minute informational interview. Knoxville professionals are generally very welcoming to newcomers.

5. Are there opportunities for remote/hybrid work?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Many local companies (like Pilot, tech firms) offer hybrid schedules. However, the majority of roles are still primarily in-office, especially in construction and healthcare. It's best to assume an in-office requirement unless the job posting explicitly states "remote."