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Social Worker Salary in Knoxville, TN

Social Worker salary data for Knoxville, TN — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Social Worker Salary in Knoxville, TN — 2026

The median Social Worker salary in Knoxville, TN is $51,040 per year ($4,253/month, $25/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 88, which is 12% below the national average.

Entry Level
$35K
$17/hr
Median
$51K
$25/hr
Senior
$66K
$32/hr
Top Earner
$80K
$39/hr

Social Worker Take-Home Pay in Knoxville

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$51,040
Federal Tax-$4,086
State Tax (0.0%)-$0
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$3,905
Annual Take-Home$43,049
Monthly Take-Home$3,587

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio24.7%
Median Home Price$250,000
Cost of Living Index88
City Median Salary$52,500
Social Worker vs City Median$-1,460

Social Worker Requirements

Education
Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW)
Experience
0-3 years
Job Growth
7.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Case ManagementCrisis InterventionCounselingAdvocacyDocumentation

Knoxville Job Market Overview

Knoxville, Tennessee has a population of 190,740 and an unemployment rate of 3.0%. The top industries are Education, Healthcare, Energy. The local job growth rate is 1.8%, and the average commute time is 22 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Social Worker salary in Knoxville, TN?
The median Social Worker salary in Knoxville, TN is $51,040 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. Entry-level Social Workers earn around $35,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $66,000 or more.
How much does a Social Worker take home in Knoxville after taxes?
A Social Worker earning the median salary of $51,040 in Knoxville, TN takes home approximately $43,049 per year ($3,587/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 15.7%.
Is Knoxville a good city for Social Workers?
Knoxville, TN has a cost of living index of 88 (below national average). Social Workers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Education, Healthcare, Energy.
What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Knoxville?
Key skills for Social Workers include Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Counseling, Advocacy, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW). Valuable certifications include LCSW, LMSW, State Licensure.
How does Social Worker salary in Knoxville compare to the national average?
The national median Social Worker salary is $58,000. In Knoxville, the adjusted salary is $51,040, which is 12.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Social Worker salary in Knoxville, TN?

The median Social Worker salary in Knoxville, TN is $51,040 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. Entry-level Social Workers earn around $35,200, while senior-level professionals can earn $66,000 or more.

How much does a Social Worker take home in Knoxville after taxes?

A Social Worker earning the median salary of $51,040 in Knoxville, TN takes home approximately $43,049 per year ($3,587/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 15.7%.

Is Knoxville a good city for Social Workers?

Knoxville, TN has a cost of living index of 88 (below national average). Social Workers here earn below the city median. The local unemployment rate is 3.0% and top industries include Education, Healthcare, Energy.

What skills are needed for a Social Worker in Knoxville?

Key skills for Social Workers include Case Management, Crisis Intervention, Counseling, Advocacy, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Bachelor's or Master's Degree (MSW). Valuable certifications include LCSW, LMSW, State Licensure.

How does Social Worker salary in Knoxville compare to the national average?

The national median Social Worker salary is $58,000. In Knoxville, the adjusted salary is $51,040, which is 12.0% lower than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.