Salaries in Knoxville, TN

Here’s a look at what your paycheck actually gets you in Knoxville right now.

Knoxville’s secret is how far your money goes. The city’s 92.8 cost of living index might not scream “bargain,” but it’s a world away from the punishing costs in Nashville or Atlanta. You can feel it in your grocery bill and at the pump. This isn't a place where you're constantly chasing your tail financially.

Let’s talk purchasing power. With a median household income of $50,183, you’re earning less than the national average, but your rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,000. That’s a math problem that works in your favor. The COL-adjusted average salary here jumps to $72,857 for a reason. It feels less like a paycheck and more like actual breathing room. I was a bit surprised by the sheer gap between the raw and adjusted numbers; it really underscores the advantage.

Who’s thriving? The data is clear: you want to be in management, tech, or healthcare. Marketing Managers and Software Developers top the list, and that lines up with the city’s economic anchors. You’ve got the University of Tennessee as a massive employer, Oak Ridge National Lab for science and tech, and a healthcare system that’s always hiring. Construction is also booming, keeping project managers in high demand.

Here’s the honest catch: the unemployment rate is a tight 3.3%, which is great, but wages haven’t fully kept pace with the slight uptick in costs we’ve seen over the past couple of years. Knoxville is a fantastic city for skilled professionals who can command top-tier salaries. It’s tougher if you’re in a field with stagnant wages.

The numbers below tell the rest of the story. They show exactly who’s winning financially and what it takes to join them.