Average Bartenders Salary in Knoxville, TN
Bartenders in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $28,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $39,890, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within the Knoxville area. The specific pay rates for bartenders are often influenced by the volume of business, the type of establishment, and the overall economic climate of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.5% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $49,030.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,570 bartenders and a Location Quotient of 0.77, Knoxville presents a slightly less concentrated market for this profession compared to the national average. While not indicating an oversaturated market, the concentration suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for skilled bartenders. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers, at 3.744, further supports the notion of a consistent, steady employment landscape for this role in Knoxville.
Salary Overview
The average Bartenders in Knoxville, TN earns-29.4%below the national average.
$13.5
$542
$2,348
Bartenders Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville bartenders is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for this profession have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation adjustments. This growth is typically driven by increased demand for hospitality services and a desire to retain experienced staff in a competitive service industry.
Bartenders Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
The salary trajectory for bartenders in Knoxville, like elsewhere, typically shows a clear progression from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, it's understood that early-career bartenders might earn closer to the lower end of the spectrum, potentially around the 25th percentile. As they gain experience, hone their craft, and perhaps take on supervisory roles, their earnings can ascend towards the 75th percentile and beyond, reflecting increased skill, efficiency, and client rapport.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $15,700 | $7.5 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,128 | $10.2 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $22,270 | $10.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,213 | $16.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $49,030 | $23.6 |
Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $28,170 for bartenders in Knoxville aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary within Knoxville is comparable to the national average. Therefore, the lower salary is effectively offset by the stable cost of living, making the take-home pay's real value consistent with national benchmarks.
Job Market Context
1,570
Total Jobs
3.744
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.77x the national average concentration of Bartenders jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.77 indicates that bartenders are slightly less concentrated in Knoxville, TN, than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry sector within the local economy. The job market is likely stable, with a consistent need for qualified individuals, but perhaps without the intense competition or high volume of openings seen in more concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Bartenders
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Bartenders Salary | $28,100↓ 0% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Bartenders Salary | $30,770↑ 9% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Bartenders Salary | $39,350↑ 40% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Bartenders Salary | $35,790↑ 27% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Bartenders Salary | $24,700↓ 12% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Bartenderss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Bartenders make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Knoxville, TN is $28,170. This typically ranges from $15,700 for entry-level positions to $49,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 29.4% lower than the national median of $39,890.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Bartenderss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average annual salary of $28,170 is significantly lower than the national average of $39,890. However, the cost of living in Knoxville is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has comparable purchasing power locally.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Bartenders?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($28,100) and Cleveland, TN.
What is the average salary for a Bartender in Knoxville, TN?
The average annual salary for a Bartender in Knoxville, TN is $28,170.
How does Knoxville's bartender salary compare to the national average?
Knoxville's average bartender salary of $28,170 is considerably lower than the national average of $39,890.
What is the Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100, which is the national average.
How concentrated is the bartender job market in Knoxville?
The bartender job market in Knoxville has a Location Quotient of 0.77, indicating it is slightly less concentrated than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,570 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 3.744 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Bartenders • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN