Mechanical Engineers, Knoxville

$99,070

Local median annual wage in Knoxville, TN. Middle half of earners roughly $78,790 to $126,880.

Local salary guide, May 2025, as of May 15, 2026. Cost of living index (2024). Sources stay in methodology · disclaimer.

vs US median
−4.8%
US median
$104,110
Cost of living (92.6) Based on U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Scores over 100 mean a city is more expensive than the U.S. national average.
92.6
Local pay range The middle 50% of earners in this city make between these amounts, based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys.
$78,790 to $126,880
Local jobs in field Approximate number of people working in this role locally, not a count of open positions.
760
Job code
17-2141

Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville pay a median $99,070 (May 2025), 4.8% below the US median of $104,110. At local prices (index 92.6), that median buys about what $106,987 buys at US-average prices.

What that pay buys

$99,070 in Knoxville buys about what $106,987 buys at US-average prices (cost of living index 92.6, 2024). Housing & rent index is 82.8 vs overall 92.6 (US average = 100, 2024).

Mechanical Engineers in nearby metros

Metro Median Local pay range Cost of living
Knoxville $99,070 $78,790 to $126,880 92.6
New Orleans $117,990 $83,790 to $139,860 92.6
San Francisco $161,370 $128,330 to $183,990 115.6
Tulsa $107,440 $85,210 to $129,220 89.2

Local salary guide May 2025 where published for the metro.

FAQ

What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville?
The median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN is $99,070 (May 2025 local salary guide).
How does Knoxville pay compare to the US median for Mechanical Engineers?
Local median pay is 4.8% below the national median of $104,110.
How does cost of living change what that wage buys?
The cost of living index for Knoxville is 92.6 (US average = 100, 2024). The local median of $99,070 has about the same buying power as $106,987 at US-average prices.
How current is this data?
Wages use the local salary guide for May 2025. Price levels use the 2024 cost of living index. See methodology for source details.

What this covers

Includes

  • Cost of living index for everyday expenses (housing, groceries & goods, services)
  • Local salary guide: median pay, typical pay range, and jobs in the field where published
  • Target salary math so you keep the same standard of living after a move
  • Approximate single-filer state income tax take-home on compare pages (see rate sources on the page)

Does not include

  • Local city taxes, credits, filing-status variants, or tax advice
  • Childcare, healthcare premiums, or leave benefits
  • Job openings. “Local jobs in field” is how many people work in the role, not hiring demand

Technical source names (RPP, OEWS) and formulas live on the methodology page.

Local pay figures and cost of living indexes come from official government surveys. See methodology and disclaimer.