Salaries in Oak Ridge, TN

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Oak Ridge, TN?

The average salary in Oak Ridge, TN is $59,722 per year.

Oak Ridge, TN offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Oak Ridge is around $59,722. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary based on the industry and the specific role.


Some of the top-paying industries in Oak Ridge include:

  • Scientific and technical services: $103,718
  • Health care and social assistance: $77,145
  • Educational services: $63,859
  • Government: $50,573
  • Manufacturing: $37,286

Job seekers can find competitive salaries in these sectors. Exploring these industries can lead to rewarding career opportunities.

View jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

What are the best paying jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

Oak Ridge, TN, offers several high-paying job opportunities for professionals. Mechanical engineers lead the way with an average salary of $117,644. Technical project leads and electrical engineers also earn competitive salaries, with averages of $117,192 and $110,249, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and experience, making them attractive for those with the right qualifications. Other well-paying jobs in Oak Ridge include roles like behavior analysts, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses. Behavior analysts earn an average of $81,894, while registered nurses and licensed practical nurses make $72,271 and $54,626, respectively. These positions offer good compensation and the chance to make a meaningful impact in healthcare and education. Job seekers with the necessary training and certifications can find rewarding careers in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Oak Ridge, TN, highlighting Mechanical Engineer with the highest at $117,644 and Electrical Engineer with the lowest at $110,249.
  1. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $117,644
    This role involves designing and developing mechanical systems. Engineers work on projects for national laboratories and tech companies. They ensure the safety and efficiency of equipment.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  2. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $117,192
    This position leads technical projects, ensuring they meet deadlines and quality standards. Project leads work with teams at research facilities and tech firms. They coordinate tasks and manage resources effectively.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  3. Electrical Engineer
    Average Salary: $110,249
    Electrical engineers design and develop electrical systems. They work on projects for energy companies and tech firms. Their role involves testing and improving electrical components and systems.
    Find Electrical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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

Oak Ridge, TN offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These roles provide good earning potential and valuable work experience. For example, a Restaurant Manager can earn around $46,318 annually. Floor Techs and Servers also enjoy competitive salaries, with earnings around $32,104 and $31,864 per year, respectively. Other well-paying jobs include Lawn Care Technicians, Meat Cutters, and Housekeeping staff. These positions offer salaries ranging from $30,082 to $28,588 per year. Baristas, Line Cooks, and Service Team Members can expect to earn between $27,712 and $27,321 annually. Even Laundry Aides can find good opportunities with an average salary of $27,264 per year. These jobs provide a chance to earn a good income without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Oak Ridge, TN without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $46,318 and Laundry Aide with the lowest at $27,264.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $46,318
    Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in a fast-paced environment with a focus on service excellence.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  2. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $32,104
    Maintain cleanliness and safety of the facility. Perform tasks like sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing. Work in various settings such as offices and retail stores.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $31,864
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in a bustling environment with a focus on customer service.
    Find Server jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  4. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $30,082
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Perform tasks like mowing, trimming, and planting. Work outdoors in various weather conditions.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  5. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $29,954
    Cut and package meat for sale. Ensure quality and safety standards are met. Work in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $28,588
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a high standard of cleanliness. Work in a variety of settings, including hotels and apartment complexes.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  7. Barista
    Average Salary: $27,712
    Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers with a friendly demeanor. Work in a busy environment with a focus on customer satisfaction.
    Find Barista jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  8. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $27,574
    Prepare food in a fast-paced kitchen. Follow recipes and ensure food quality. Work under pressure and in a team environment.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $27,321
    Provide excellent customer service. Handle inquiries and resolve issues. Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on customer satisfaction.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  10. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $27,264
    Handle laundry tasks such as washing, drying, and folding. Ensure cleanliness and order. Work in a variety of settings, including hotels and hospitals.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Oak Ridge, TN?

Job seekers in Oak Ridge, TN, can find competitive salaries at several top companies. GEM Technology leads the way with an average salary of $140,039. Cognitive Medical Systems and Oak Ridge National Laboratory also offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries of $123,974 and $106,785, respectively. Other notable companies include Akima, Bechtel, and Strata-G, LLC, which provide average salaries around $100,000. These companies offer a range of opportunities for professionals seeking both job security and financial rewards.
Graph displaying company salaries in Oak Ridge, TN, highlighting GEM Technology with the highest at $140,039 and Professional Case Management with the lowest at $59,487.
  1. GEM Technology
    Average Salary: $140,039
    GEM Technology offers a variety of roles in engineering, IT, and project management. They focus on providing innovative solutions to complex problems.


  2. Cognitive Medical Systems
    Average Salary: $123,974
    Cognitive Medical Systems specializes in medical technology and software solutions. They aim to improve patient care through advanced technology.


  3. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $106,785
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a leader in scientific research. They work on projects in energy, national security, and more.


  4. Akima
    Average Salary: $100,882
    Akima provides services in IT, engineering, and management. They support government and commercial clients with their expertise.


  5. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $98,074
    Bechtel is a global leader in engineering and construction. They work on large-scale projects in energy, infrastructure, and more.


  6. Strata-G, LLC
    Average Salary: $95,106
    Strata-G, LLC offers services in IT, engineering, and management. They focus on providing high-quality solutions to their clients.


  7. Boston Government Services, LLC
    Average Salary: $89,711
    Boston Government Services, LLC provides support services to government agencies. They focus on delivering reliable and efficient services.


  8. SAIC
    Average Salary: $76,995
    SAIC offers a range of services in IT, engineering, and management. They work with government and commercial clients to solve complex problems.


  9. Diversicare Health Care
    Average Salary: $60,301
    Diversicare Health Care provides healthcare services to patients. They focus on delivering quality care and improving patient outcomes.


  10. Professional Case Management
    Average Salary: $59,487
    Professional Case Management offers case management services. They help clients manage their healthcare needs effectively.

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

The cost of living in Oak Ridge, TN, is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Oak Ridge stands at 93, which is a 7% decrease from the national average of 100. This makes Oak Ridge a more affordable place to live in terms of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses. Specifically, housing costs in Oak Ridge are 9% below the national average, while groceries and utilities are only 5% and 6% below, respectively. Transportation costs are 10% lower, and healthcare costs are 3% higher. Miscellaneous expenses are 8% below the average. This data suggests that Oak Ridge offers a balanced living experience with generally lower costs in most areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Oak Ridge, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 9% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 6% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

The cost of living index in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, shows a generally favorable comparison to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Oak Ridge stand at 91, which is 9% below the national average of 100. This suggests that residents can find more affordable housing options compared to the rest of the country. Groceries in Oak Ridge are priced at 95, only 5% below the national average. This indicates that grocery expenses are quite close to the average, making it easy for residents to budget for food.


Utilities in Oak Ridge are at 94, which is 6% below the national average. This means that residents can expect slightly lower utility bills than the average American. Transportation costs in Oak Ridge are at 90, which is 10% below the national average. This suggests that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are more affordable in Oak Ridge. Healthcare costs in Oak Ridge are at 97, which is 3% above the national average. While healthcare costs are slightly higher, the difference is minimal. Miscellaneous expenses in Oak Ridge are at 92, which is 8% below the national average. Overall, Oak Ridge offers a cost of living that is competitive with the national average, with some areas offering significant savings.

There are 778 job openings in Oak Ridge, TN, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Oak Ridge, TN

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Oak Ridge, TN
778 Job Openings