Salaries in Knoxville, TN

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average salary in Knoxville, TN is $50,720 per year.

Knoxville, TN offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Knoxville is around $50,720. This average helps job seekers understand the general earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and job role.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Knoxville include roles in healthcare, finance, and engineering. For example, healthcare professionals can earn upwards of $147,636 per year. Finance and engineering roles also offer competitive salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Lower-paying jobs, such as retail and hospitality, start at around $23,510. This range provides a clear picture of what to expect in different sectors.

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What are the best paying jobs in Knoxville, TN?

Knoxville, TN, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Among the top-paying roles are General Dentists, Counselors, and Pharmacists. These positions provide competitive salaries and are in demand, making them excellent choices for job seekers. General Dentists lead the list with a strong annual salary. Counselors and Pharmacists also offer substantial earnings. These jobs require specific skills and qualifications, but they provide a rewarding career path. Job seekers in Knoxville can find good opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Knoxville, TN, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $289,788 and Controller with the lowest at $99,427.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $289,788
    This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work in private practices and clinics. They use advanced tools to ensure patient care. Knoxville offers many opportunities in this field.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Knoxville, TN


  2. Counselor
    Average Salary: $123,483
    Counselors help people with emotional and mental health challenges. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. This role requires strong communication skills. Knoxville has a growing need for qualified counselors.
    Find Counselor jobs in Knoxville, TN


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $121,336
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medication use. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. This role requires attention to detail. Knoxville offers many pharmacy positions.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Knoxville, TN


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $118,272
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. This role requires a strong background in nursing. Knoxville has many healthcare facilities hiring.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Knoxville, TN


  5. Special Agent
    Average Salary: $110,181
    Special Agents work for federal agencies to protect national security. They investigate crimes and gather intelligence. This role requires a strong sense of duty. Knoxville has many federal offices.
    Find Special Agent jobs in Knoxville, TN


  6. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $104,980
    Traveling Nurses provide care in various locations. They work in hospitals and clinics. This role requires flexibility and adaptability. Knoxville offers many travel nursing opportunities.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Knoxville, TN


  7. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $104,821
    School Psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools and educational institutions. This role requires strong interpersonal skills. Knoxville has many school districts hiring.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Knoxville, TN


  8. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $102,224
    Software Engineers design and develop software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. This role requires strong problem-solving skills. Knoxville has a growing tech industry.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Knoxville, TN


  9. Adjunct Faculty
    Average Salary: $100,714
    Adjunct Faculty teach college courses on a part-time basis. They work in universities and colleges. This role requires expertise in a specific subject. Knoxville offers many higher education opportunities.
    Find Adjunct Faculty jobs in Knoxville, TN


  10. Controller
    Average Salary: $99,427
    Controllers manage a company's financial reporting and accounting. They work in various industries. This role requires strong analytical skills. Knoxville has many businesses hiring for this position.
    Find Controller jobs in Knoxville, TN

What are the best paying jobs in Knoxville, TN without a degree?

Knoxville, TN, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Public Works Operators can earn over $122,000 annually. Sales Inspectors and Applicators also enjoy good salaries, with earnings around $85,000 and $52,000, respectively. Other well-paying roles include Concrete Finishers, Canvassers, and Arborist Climbers. These positions provide stable incomes and opportunities for career growth. For instance, Concrete Finishers earn about $49,000, while Canvassers and Arborist Climbers make around $47,000 and $46,000, respectively. These jobs offer a chance to earn a good living without needing a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Knoxville, TN without a degree, highlighting Public Works Operator with the highest at $122,333 and Kitchen Manager with the lowest at $37,508.
  1. Public Works Operator
    Average Salary: $122,333
    Operate and maintain machinery and equipment. Ensure roads and public spaces are safe and clean. Work with local government agencies.
    Find Public Works Operator jobs in Knoxville, TN


  2. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,691
    Inspect and evaluate sales practices. Ensure compliance with local regulations. Work with businesses to improve sales strategies.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Knoxville, TN


  3. Applicator
    Average Salary: $52,015
    Apply chemicals and treatments to various surfaces. Follow safety protocols and guidelines. Work with companies in agriculture and construction.
    Find Applicator jobs in Knoxville, TN


  4. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,550
    Prepare and finish concrete surfaces. Use tools and equipment to smooth and shape concrete. Work on construction sites with local builders.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Knoxville, TN


  5. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,321
    Distribute promotional materials and gather information. Represent companies and organizations. Work directly with the public to gather data.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Knoxville, TN


  6. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $46,074
    Climb trees to trim and maintain them. Ensure trees are healthy and safe. Work with local parks and landscaping companies.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Knoxville, TN


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $45,260
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water distribution. Work with farms and landscaping businesses.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Knoxville, TN


  8. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $43,769
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work with local dining establishments.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Knoxville, TN


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $37,614
    Load and unload materials and equipment. Operate machinery to move items. Work in warehouses and distribution centers.
    Find Loader jobs in Knoxville, TN


  10. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $37,508
    Manage kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in restaurants and catering companies.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Knoxville, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Knoxville, TN?

Job seekers in Knoxville, TN, have the opportunity to explore some of the top-paying companies in the area. KPMG leads the way with an average salary of $148,287, followed by LifeStance Health, which offers an average salary of $126,350. Crowe LLP, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Warner Bros. Discovery also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for those seeking higher pay. Other notable companies in Knoxville include CGI, Cadre5, Jersey College, gpac, and U.S. Bank. These companies offer average salaries ranging from $104,664 to $97,115. These figures highlight the variety of high-paying opportunities available in Knoxville, encouraging job seekers to consider these companies for their next career move.
Graph displaying company salaries in Knoxville, TN, highlighting KPMG with the highest at $148,287 and U.S. Bank with the lowest at $97,115.
  1. KPMG
    Average Salary: $148,287
    KPMG is a global network of professional services firms. They offer audit, tax, and advisory services. KPMG values innovation and teamwork.


  2. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $126,350
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They focus on patient care and have a team of skilled professionals. They value a supportive work environment.


  3. Crowe LLP
    Average Salary: $117,862
    Crowe LLP is an accounting and consulting firm. They offer audit, tax, and advisory services. They focus on integrity and client service.


  4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $111,251
    The FBI is a federal agency. They protect and defend the U.S. against threats. They value dedication and teamwork.


  5. Warner Bros. Discovery
    Average Salary: $104,975
    Warner Bros. Discovery creates and distributes entertainment content. They have a rich history in film and television. They value creativity and innovation.


  6. CGI
    Average Salary: $104,664
    CGI is a global IT and consulting company. They offer services in IT, consulting, and business process. They value collaboration and excellence.


  7. Cadre5
    Average Salary: $102,302
    Cadre5 is a staffing and recruiting firm. They connect job seekers with employers. They value transparency and customer service.


  8. Jersey College
    Average Salary: $98,443
    Jersey College offers career training programs. They focus on healthcare and business fields. They value education and student success.


  9. gpac
    Average Salary: $97,835
    gpac is a recruiting firm. They specialize in placing candidates in various industries. They value relationships and results.


  10. U.S. Bank
    Average Salary: $97,115
    U.S. Bank is a financial services company. They offer banking, lending, and investment services. They value integrity and customer service.

How does the cost of living in Knoxville, TN compare to the national average?

Knoxville, TN, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Knoxville stands at 90, which is 10% lower than the national average of 100. This lower index makes it an attractive option for those seeking more affordable living conditions without sacrificing quality of life. Specifically, housing costs in Knoxville are 15% below the national average, while groceries are only 8% below. Utilities and transportation also mirror the national average, with each at 95. Healthcare costs are slightly lower at 10%, and miscellaneous expenses are 12% below the national average. This combination of costs makes Knoxville a practical choice for budget-conscious individuals.
Cost of living comparison graph for Knoxville, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Knoxville, TN, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Knoxville is 89, which is 11% below the national average of 100. This lower cost of living makes it an attractive option for many job seekers and families looking to manage their expenses more effectively.


Housing costs in Knoxville are particularly favorable, with an index of 85. This represents a 15% reduction compared to the national average. Additionally, groceries and utilities in Knoxville are slightly below the national average, with indices of 92 and 95, respectively. These savings can add up, making it easier for residents to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

There are 6,404 job openings in Knoxville, TN, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Knoxville, TN

Discover what it's like to work in Knoxville, TN. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Knoxville, TN
6,404 Job Openings