Salary & Cost of Living in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN: $52,500 median salary, cost of living index 88, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,500
$25/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
Knoxville, TN Overview
Population
190,740
Median Salary
$52,500
Average Salary
$58,500
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Job Growth
+1.8%
Sales Tax
9.25%
Knoxville is located in Tennessee with a population of 190,740. The median household salary is $52,500 per year ($25/hour), which is $6,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.8%.
Knoxville Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Knoxville, TN, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$44,222
$3,685.19/month · $1,700.86/biweekly · Effective Rate: 15.8%
Gross Pay
$52,500
Federal Tax
-$4,262
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,016
Net Pay
$44,222
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,375.00 | $52,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$355.13 | -$4,261.50 |
| Tennessee State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$271.25 | -$3,255.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$63.44 | -$761.25 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,685.19 | $44,222.25 |
Salary Comparison: Knoxville vs Other Cities
See how Knoxville's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $52,500 | 88 | $59,659 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $52,500 | 84 | $62,500 |
| Kansas City, KS | $52,500 | 85 | $61,765 |
| Glendale, AZ | $52,300 | 97 | $53,918 |
| Birmingham, AL | $52,800 | 92 | $57,391 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Knoxville
Knoxville's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Knoxville is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Annual Rent Cost
$12,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $44,222 annual take-home pay in Knoxville has the purchasing power of approximately $50,253 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Knoxville
Knoxville's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,500.
Salary Tips for Knoxville Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Knoxville has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $52,500 here has the purchasing power of about $59,659 in an average-cost area.
- No state income tax advantage. Tennessee has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Invest the savings in a Roth IRA or 401(k) for long-term growth.
- Research top industries. Knoxville's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Energy. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,500 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary in Knoxville, TN is $52,500 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $58,500. This is $6,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $250,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,050.
What are the best industries in Knoxville?
The top industries in Knoxville, TN include Education, Healthcare, Energy. The city has a job growth rate of 1.8% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,500.
How does Knoxville's salary compare to other cities?
Knoxville's median salary of $52,500 is 11.6% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,659.
What is the minimum wage in Knoxville, TN?
The minimum wage in Knoxville, TN is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.