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What is the average salary in Oak Ridge, TN?

The average salary in Oak Ridge, TN is $60,466 per year.

Job seekers in Oak Ridge, TN, can find a variety of salary levels across different industries. With an average yearly salary of $60,466, the area offers competitive pay. This average helps people understand what they might earn in this location.


The salary distribution shows a range of earnings. Most jobs fall between $23,000 and $109,727 per year. Specific industries offer even higher salaries. For example, some roles in research and science can reach up to $182,000 annually. This variety means there are good opportunities for those with different skill sets and experience levels.

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

Oak Ridge offers a variety of top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Mechanical engineers lead the pack with an average salary of $118,239. Other well-paying roles include registered nurses, who earn an average of $74,419, and retail sales associates, with an average of $71,967. These positions offer competitive pay and a chance to work in a dynamic environment. Job seekers will find opportunities across different fields, from healthcare to engineering. The high salaries reflect the need for specialized skills in these roles. Individuals with the right training and experience can look forward to attractive compensation packages. Oak Ridge’s economy supports a range of industries, providing various career paths with good earning potential.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Oak Ridge, TN, highlighting Mechanical Engineer with the highest at $118,239 and Direct Support Professional with the lowest at $36,280.
  1. Mechanical Engineer
    Average Salary: $118,239
    This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining machinery and tools. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Y-12 National Security Complex offer growth opportunities. Engineers collaborate with teams to ensure quality and efficiency.
    Find Mechanical Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $74,419
    RNs provide patient care and support in medical facilities. With hospitals and clinics hiring, these professionals play a vital role in the community. They work closely with doctors to ensure patients receive the best care.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  3. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $71,967
    This position involves selling products to customers in stores. Companies like Walmart and Kroger offer competitive pay and benefits. Associates engage with customers to provide excellent service and boost sales.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  4. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $57,818
    LPNs assist with patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. LPNs provide essential support to medical staff and patients.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $52,045
    Managers oversee restaurant operations to ensure smooth service. They handle staff, manage inventory, and engage with customers. In Oak Ridge, managers can work for popular chains and local eateries.
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  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $50,244
    General Managers run businesses, ensuring efficiency and profitability. They oversee staff, handle finances, and ensure customer satisfaction. These roles are available in various industries, including retail and hospitality.
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  7. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $41,758
    Technicians repair and maintain equipment to keep operations running smoothly. They work in manufacturing plants and commercial properties. Technicians play a crucial role in preventing downtime and ensuring productivity.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  8. Delivery Driver
    Average Salary: $38,696
    Drivers transport goods and services to customers. Companies like FedEx and UPS offer delivery positions. Drivers must navigate routes efficiently and ensure timely deliveries.
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  9. Medical Assistant
    Average Salary: $37,507
    Assistants support doctors and nurses with patient care and administrative tasks. They work in clinics and hospitals. Medical Assistants help ensure smooth operations and provide quality care to patients.
    Find Medical Assistant jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  10. Direct Support Professional
    Average Salary: $36,280
    Professionals assist individuals with disabilities in their daily lives. They work in group homes and community settings. DSPs provide essential support and help individuals achieve their goals.
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What are the best paying jobs in Oak Ridge, TN without a degree?

Oak Ridge offers several high-paying job opportunities that do not require a college degree. For instance, a restaurant manager can earn over $50,000 annually. This role involves overseeing restaurant operations and staff. Another well-paying position is that of a server, with an average salary of nearly $36,000 per year. Servers interact with customers, take orders, and serve food and drinks. Additionally, baristas and lawn care technicians also offer good earnings, with salaries around $33,000 and $30,000, respectively. These roles provide a solid income and the chance to work in a variety of settings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Oak Ridge, TN without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $50,123 and Service Team Member with the lowest at $27,645.
  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,123
    Oversee daily operations at local eateries. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work for top chains and independent restaurants.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $35,849
    Serve food and drinks to customers in dining areas. Take orders and deliver food promptly. Job roles at family-style and casual dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,688
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work with different coffee machines. Found in local cafes and restaurants.
    Find Barista jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  4. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $30,100
    Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and applying treatments. Work in residential and commercial settings. Roles with landscaping companies.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  5. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $29,746
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and motels. Ensure a welcoming environment for guests. Work for hotel chains and motels.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  6. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $29,567
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Ensure a spotless kitchen. Roles at local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $29,333
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in bulk. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Found at fast food and casual dining establishments.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Oak Ridge, TN


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $27,645
    Assist customers with various services. Provide quality service to enhance customer experience. Positions at retail stores and service centers.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

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

Oak Ridge, TN, offers a variety of high-paying jobs in different industries. X-Energy leads with an average salary of $125,429, making it a prime choice for job seekers. Other top employers include Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Amentum, both offering salaries over $120,000. These companies provide competitive compensation packages. Cognitive Medical Systems and Bechtel also offer average salaries above $120,000. SAIC, OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS, Professional Case Management, CoorsTek, and Covenant Health round out the list with salaries ranging from $65,428 to $42,918. Job seekers in Oak Ridge can find rewarding opportunities in these sectors.
Graph displaying company salaries in Oak Ridge, TN, highlighting X-Energy with the highest at $125,429 and Covenant Health with the lowest at $42,918.
  1. X-Energy
    Average Salary: $125,429
    X-Energy is a leading nuclear energy company. They focus on developing advanced nuclear reactors. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  2. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $124,140
    Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a federal science and technology lab. It works on energy, national security, and environmental research. They provide excellent salaries and career growth.


  3. Amentum
    Average Salary: $123,681
    Amentum provides professional services to federal agencies. They work in areas like health, defense, and security. They offer good pay and benefits.


  4. Cognitive Medical Systems
    Average Salary: $122,951
    Cognitive Medical Systems focuses on healthcare technology. They develop tools for hospitals and clinics. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work environment.


  5. Bechtel
    Average Salary: $103,683
    Bechtel is a global engineering and construction company. They work on infrastructure and technology projects. They offer good pay and career opportunities.


  6. SAIC
    Average Salary: $65,428
    SAIC provides technology and management services to government agencies. They work on defense, security, and infrastructure. They offer decent pay and benefits.


  7. OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS
    Average Salary: $60,456
    OAK RIDGE SCHOOLS offer education services in Oak Ridge. They provide quality education to students. They offer fair salaries for educators.


  8. Professional Case Management
    Average Salary: $58,882
    Professional Case Management helps people with health and social needs. They provide support and resources. They offer decent pay for their services.


  9. CoorsTek
    Average Salary: $46,827
    CoorsTek manufactures ceramic components. They work in aerospace and industrial markets. They offer fair pay and benefits.


  10. Covenant Health
    Average Salary: $42,918
    Covenant Health provides healthcare services. They run hospitals and clinics. They offer fair pay and a supportive work environment.

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

Oak Ridge, TN, has a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average. The combined index stands at 92, indicating that overall expenses are 2% lower than the national average of 100. The lower housing cost, at 85, significantly influences this reduction. While groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items are close to the average, it is the housing sector that drives the overall lower index.
Cost of living comparison graph for Oak Ridge, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Oak Ridge, TN, presents a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Oak Ridge stands at 91. This means that overall expenses are 9% lower compared to the average U.S. city, where the cost of living is set at 100. This difference can be significant for job seekers, as it translates to potentially lower living expenses, which can be especially beneficial for housing, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.


Breaking down the specific categories, housing in Oak Ridge shows a cost of 85, which is 15% below the national average. This presents a considerable savings opportunity for those considering relocating to Oak Ridge. Groceries follow closely with an index of 95, reflecting just 5% below the average. Utilities are at 90, which is a 10% decrease, and transportation also stands at 95, which is only 5% lower. Healthcare costs remain the same as the national average, at 100, ensuring no additional burden in this area. Miscellaneous expenses are at 92, showing a minor 8% reduction. Overall, these figures provide a solid financial advantage for those considering a move to Oak Ridge.

There are 611 job openings in Oak Ridge, TN, today!

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

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City
Overview
Oak Ridge, TN
611 Job Openings