Average Machinists Salary in Knoxville, TN
Machinists in Knoxville, TN earn an average annual salary of $51,530, which is below the national average of $57,000. This localized pay rate is influenced by a variety of economic factors specific to the Knoxville region, including the demand for skilled labor and the overall economic landscape of East Tennessee.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $64,660.
- Outlook: Knoxville boasts a significant local workforce of 1,210 Machinists, with a robust Location Quotient of 1.5, indicating a concentration of these roles that is 50% higher than the national average. This suggests a strong and established demand for skilled machinists within the region, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for this profession.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Knoxville, TN earns-9.6%below the national average.
$24.8
$991
$4,294
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville machinists isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that, mirroring national trends, salaries for skilled trades like machining have seen consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as inflation, increasing demand for manufactured goods, and the ongoing need for specialized skills likely contribute to upward pressure on wages in this sector.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
The career trajectory for Machinists in Knoxville typically shows a clear salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior machinists with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proficiency in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,920 | $17.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,648 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,840 | $23 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,413 | $31 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $64,660 | $31.1 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,530
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $51,530 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (exactly matching the national average), the nominal income for a Machinist in Knoxville holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard. This means that what you can afford in Knoxville is comparable to what you could afford in an average U.S. city, making the salary's value straightforward to assess.
Job Market Context
1,210
Total Jobs
2.898
Per 1K Jobs
1.5
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 1.5x the national concentration of Machinists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.5 for Machinists in Knoxville signifies a notable concentration of this profession, exceeding the national average by 50%. This suggests that Knoxville has a more developed market for machinists relative to its overall economy compared to the rest of the country, potentially indicating a competitive environment for employers seeking talent but also a good opportunity for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Machinists Salary | $42,260↓ 18% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Machinists Salary | $46,090↓ 11% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Machinists Salary | $48,370↓ 6% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Machinists Salary | $55,950↑ 9% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Machinists Salary | $46,960↓ 9% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Knoxville, TN is $51,530. This typically ranges from $36,920 for entry-level positions to $64,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 9.6% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Machinists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Knoxville has a strong concentration of machinists, the average salary of $51,530 is below the national average of $57,000. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's purchasing power is standard.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Machinists?
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 ($42,260) and Cleveland, TN.
How does the number of machinists in Knoxville compare nationally?
Knoxville has a total local workforce of 1,210 Machinists, and a Location Quotient of 1.5, indicating a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average.
What is the job outlook for Machinists in Knoxville?
The job outlook appears stable to positive, given the significant local workforce and a Location Quotient suggesting strong regional demand relative to the national average.
Does experience impact a Machinist's salary in Knoxville?
Yes, experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior machinists with specialized skills commanding higher wages, reflecting career progression.
How does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the Machinist salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average Machinist salary of $51,530 has standard purchasing power when compared to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 2.898 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN