Salary & Cost of Living in Oak Ridge, TN
Oak Ridge, TN: $40,162 median salary, cost of living index 92.2, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$40,162
$19/hr
Cost of Living
92.2
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.9%
rate
Oak Ridge, TN Overview
Population
30,013
Median Salary
$40,162
Average Salary
$44,981
Avg Commute
16 min
Median Home Price
$275,000
Median Rent
$1,115/mo
Job Growth
+1.4%
Sales Tax
7%
Oak Ridge is located in Tennessee with a population of 30,013. The median household salary is $40,162 per year ($19/hour), which is $19,222 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.4%.
Oak Ridge Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Oak Ridge, TN based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $40,162 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $24,900 | $11.97/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $40,162 | $19.31/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $57,030 | $27.42/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $71,488 | $34.37/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Oak Ridge Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Oak Ridge, TN, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$34,309
$2,859.06/month · $1,319.56/biweekly · Effective Rate: 14.6%
Gross Pay
$40,162
Federal Tax
-$2,781
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,072
Net Pay
$34,309
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,346.83 | $40,162.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$231.75 | -$2,780.94 |
| Tennessee State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$207.50 | -$2,490.04 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$48.53 | -$582.35 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $2,859.06 | $34,308.67 |
Salary Comparison: Oak Ridge vs Other Cities
See how Oak Ridge's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oak Ridge, TN | $40,162 | 92.2 | $43,560 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Westlake, OH | $40,166 | 81.3 | $49,405 |
| Brentwood, TN | $40,098 | 83.4 | $48,079 |
| Germantown, TN | $40,091 | 86.3 | $46,455 |
| Crown Point, IN | $40,082 | 81.2 | $49,362 |
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 Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge's cost of living index is 92.2 (national average = 100). Living in Oak Ridge is 7.799999999999997% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$275,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,115
Annual Rent Cost
$13,380
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $34,309 annual take-home pay in Oak Ridge has the purchasing power of approximately $37,211 in an average-cost US area. Your $40,162 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Oak Ridge
Oak Ridge's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $40,162.
Salary Tips for Oak Ridge Workers
- 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. Oak Ridge's top industries include Healthcare, Music Industry, Automotive. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $40,162 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
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Oak Ridge, TN?
The median salary in Oak Ridge, TN is $40,162 per year, or $19 per hour. The average salary is $44,981. This is $19,222 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Oak Ridge, TN?
Oak Ridge's cost of living index is 92.2 (national average = 100), meaning it is 7.799999999999997% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $275,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,115.
What are the best industries in Oak Ridge?
The top industries in Oak Ridge, TN include Healthcare, Music Industry, Automotive. The city has a job growth rate of 1.4% and an unemployment rate of 3.9%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $40,162.
How does Oak Ridge's salary compare to other cities?
Oak Ridge's median salary of $40,162 is 32.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 92.2), the real purchasing power is approximately $43,560.
What is the minimum wage in Oak Ridge, TN?
The minimum wage in Oak Ridge, 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.