Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
61 Highest Paying Jobs in Knoxville, TN (2026)
The highest-paying job in Knoxville, TN, Tennessee is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $460,080 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 61 tracked occupations the average median is $102,143, with 22 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (national average = 100), so a $102,143 nominal salary equals $113,115 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 61 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Knoxville, TN, TN, from BLS OEWS data. Knoxville, TN's cost-of-living index runs 90.3 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Knoxville, TN, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Knoxville, TN
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Knoxville, TN's cost-of-living index of 90.3 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $460,080 · 10th–90th $189,830–$621,030 · 590 jobs in metro
Family Medicine Physicians in Knoxville, TN earn $460,080 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $621,030. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $509,502 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $365,260 · 10th–90th $56,380–$370,590 · 30 jobs in metro
Obstetrician/Gynecologists in Knoxville, TN earn $365,260 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $370,590. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $404,496 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $164,720 · 10th–90th $164,720–$232,030 · 0 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Knoxville, TN earn $164,720 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $232,030. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $182,414 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $157,900 · 10th–90th $84,360–$259,320 · 220 jobs in metro
Dentists in Knoxville, TN earn $157,900 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $259,320. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $174,862 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $143,650 · 10th–90th $95,610–$219,970 · 1,380 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Knoxville, TN earn $143,650 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $219,970. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $159,081 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $133,570 · 10th–90th $63,900–$262,970 · 2,090 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Knoxville, TN earn $133,570 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $262,970. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $147,918 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $132,460 · 10th–90th $85,160–$159,200 · 990 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Knoxville, TN earn $132,460 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $159,200. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $146,689 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $132,200 · 10th–90th $83,290–$233,640 · 530 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Knoxville, TN earn $132,200 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $233,640. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $146,401 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $131,040 · 10th–90th $79,410–$258,450 · 930 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Knoxville, TN earn $131,040 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $258,450. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $145,116 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $126,520 · 10th–90th $77,800–$263,220 · 1,250 jobs in metro
Lawyers in Knoxville, TN earn $126,520 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $263,220. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $140,111 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Full Ranking (61 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $460,080 | $189,830–$621,030 | $509,502 | 590 |
| 2 | Obstetrician/Gynecologist | Healthcare | $365,260 | $56,380–$370,590 | $404,496 | 30 |
| 3 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $164,720 | $164,720–$232,030 | $182,414 | 0 |
| 4 | Dentist | Healthcare | $157,900 | $84,360–$259,320 | $174,862 | 220 |
| 5 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $143,650 | $95,610–$219,970 | $159,081 | 1,380 |
| 6 | Financial Manager | Finance | $133,570 | $63,900–$262,970 | $147,918 | 2,090 |
| 7 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $132,460 | $85,160–$159,200 | $146,689 | 990 |
| 8 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $132,200 | $83,290–$233,640 | $146,401 | 530 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | Management | $131,040 | $79,410–$258,450 | $145,116 | 930 |
| 10 | Lawyer | Legal | $126,520 | $77,800–$263,220 | $140,111 | 1,250 |
| 11 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $125,090 | $47,830–$164,930 | $138,527 | 80 |
| 12 | Software Developer | Technology | $121,750 | $68,880–$161,870 | $134,828 | 2,390 |
| 13 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $121,160 | $100,470–$170,290 | $134,175 | 260 |
| 14 | Sales Manager | Management | $119,380 | $68,510–$234,160 | $132,204 | 1,410 |
| 15 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $117,480 | $78,930–$161,510 | $130,100 | 480 |
| 16 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $109,740 | $85,210–$135,170 | $121,528 | 1,630 |
| 17 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $108,590 | $75,120–$166,210 | $120,255 | 630 |
| 18 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $107,980 | $91,640–$141,670 | $119,579 | 240 |
| 19 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $104,590 | $51,410–$253,540 | $115,825 | 8,660 |
| 20 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $104,250 | $67,290–$191,990 | $115,449 | 1,880 |
| 21 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $103,010 | $67,530–$319,760 | $114,075 | 260 |
| 22 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $102,210 | $59,700–$165,010 | $113,189 | 480 |
| 23 | Engineers (Other) | Engineering | $99,650 | $61,530–$162,430 | $110,354 | 940 |
| 24 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $99,070 | $63,200–$148,980 | $109,712 | 760 |
| 25 | Management Analyst | Management | $97,470 | $65,080–$171,240 | $107,940 | 1,530 |
| 26 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $96,320 | $63,860–$160,350 | $106,667 | 1,110 |
| 27 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $96,110 | $64,850–$124,190 | $106,434 | 590 |
| 28 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $95,750 | $68,410–$132,320 | $106,035 | 960 |
| 29 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $94,490 | $58,870–$116,330 | $104,640 | 290 |
| 30 | Architect | Engineering | $94,310 | $61,430–$131,170 | $104,441 | 380 |
| 31 | Data Scientist | Technology | $92,640 | $61,980–$149,090 | $102,591 | 320 |
| 32 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $92,570 | $74,340–$92,570 | $102,514 | 0 |
| 33 | Network Architect | Technology | $87,400 | $62,460–$128,190 | $96,788 | 880 |
| 34 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $85,970 | $57,820–$114,700 | $95,205 | 220 |
| 35 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $85,730 | $60,930–$126,620 | $94,939 | 1,210 |
| 36 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $85,570 | $49,200–$135,050 | $94,762 | 590 |
| 37 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $84,640 | $81,380–$97,700 | $93,732 | 590 |
| 38 | Financial Examiner | Finance | $84,510 | $48,330–$159,040 | $93,588 | 100 |
| 39 | Web Designer | Technology | $80,710 | $47,290–$123,780 | $89,380 | 200 |
| 40 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $80,370 | $43,880–$436,010 | $89,003 | 420 |
| 41 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $78,060 | $54,590–$108,290 | $86,445 | 400 |
| 42 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $77,240 | $57,070–$97,360 | $85,537 | 9,500 |
| 43 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $76,820 | $49,710–$101,770 | $85,072 | 350 |
| 44 | Accountant | Finance | $75,380 | $50,470–$125,680 | $83,477 | 3,240 |
| 45 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $66,960 | $45,410–$116,520 | $74,153 | 1,370 |
| 46 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $66,760 | $46,790–$102,170 | $73,931 | 110 |
| 47 | Loan Officer | Finance | $63,830 | $39,650–$116,770 | $70,687 | 930 |
| 48 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $63,130 | $50,380–$77,070 | $69,911 | 2,820 |
| 49 | Writer/Author | Creative | $63,080 | $44,410–$141,480 | $69,856 | 180 |
| 50 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $62,890 | $36,600–$104,200 | $69,646 | 1,730 |
| 51 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $61,980 | $49,880–$72,940 | $68,638 | 3,360 |
| 52 | Web Developer | Technology | $60,720 | $35,350–$93,190 | $67,243 | 240 |
| 53 | Plumber | Trades | $59,860 | $38,940–$79,560 | $66,290 | 1,700 |
| 54 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $58,650 | $37,390–$82,340 | $64,950 | 1,320 |
| 55 | Electrician | Trades | $58,640 | $38,020–$79,530 | $64,939 | 2,170 |
| 56 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $57,360 | $38,900–$103,110 | $63,522 | 420 |
| 57 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $56,720 | $37,150–$85,920 | $62,813 | 470 |
| 58 | Carpenter | Trades | $50,400 | $36,600–$70,100 | $55,814 | 1,280 |
| 59 | Paralegal | Legal | $49,780 | $38,990–$75,660 | $55,127 | 770 |
| 60 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $48,540 | $31,580–$79,680 | $53,754 | 2,280 |
| 61 | Welder | Trades | $48,040 | $38,280–$63,980 | $53,200 | 1,780 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Knoxville, TN's cost-of-living index of 90.3 runs 10% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Family Medicine Physician with five-plus years of experience in Knoxville, TN should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($540,555) or 90th percentile ($621,030), not the $460,080 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $460K Family Medicine Physician salary in Knoxville, TN (COL 90.3) translates to $510K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Family Medicine Physician in Knoxville, TN page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Knoxville, TN is Family Medicine Physician with a median salary of $460,080 and a 90th-percentile reading of $621,030. The role employs roughly 590 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
22 of the 61 BLS-tracked occupations in Knoxville, TN have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 61 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Knoxville, TN is $102,143. The cost-of-living index is 90.3, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $113,115 in equivalent purchasing power.
Knoxville, TN has a cost-of-living index of 90.3, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Family Medicine Physician, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Pediatrician occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.