Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Knoxville, TN
Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN, command an average annual salary of $105,890. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the Tennessee area. While the pay is competitive, understanding the nuances of the Knoxville market is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $105,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.4% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,340.
- Outlook: Knoxville's mechanical engineering job market supports a local workforce of 570 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.74, the concentration of mechanical engineers is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated demand for these specialized skills within the region. The presence of 1.372 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for engineering talent.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN earns-3.4%below the national average.
$50.9
$2,036
$8,824
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that mechanical engineering salaries in Knoxville, mirroring national trends, have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing demand for advanced engineering solutions, inflation, and the continuous need for innovation across various industries present in the Knoxville metropolitan area.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project management experience and specialized expertise can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify robust career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,930 | $30.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $79,418 | $38.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $95,710 | $46 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $132,363 | $63.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $157,340 | $75.6 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$105,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $105,890 in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a mechanical engineer's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to that of their national counterparts, offering a stable financial foundation without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
1.372
Per 1K Jobs
0.74
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.74x the national average concentration of Mechanical Engineers 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 0.74 for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market may offer fewer direct competitors for specialized roles, potentially creating advantageous opportunities for skilled engineers seeking employment or career advancement within the region.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Mechanical Engineers Salary | $87,850↓ 17% | 40 mi |
| Asheville, NC Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,020↑ 0% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Mechanical Engineers Salary | $104,030↓ 2% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Mechanical Engineers Salary | $96,040↓ 9% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN is $105,890. This typically ranges from $63,930 for entry-level positions to $157,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 3.4% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, Knoxville, TN offers a lucrative environment for Mechanical Engineers.The average salary of $105,890 is competitive, and with a cost of living matching the national average, the purchasing power is strong. The stable job market further supports lucrative career prospects.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
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 ($87,850) and Asheville, NC.
How does Knoxville's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville, TN is $105,890, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville compared to the rest of the US?
Knoxville has a Location Quotient of 0.74 for Mechanical Engineers, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Knoxville affect the Mechanical Engineer salary?
Knoxville's cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $105,890 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial proposition.
What does the job market look like for Mechanical Engineers in Knoxville?
The market supports 570 Mechanical Engineers, with 1.372 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a steady demand for the profession in the area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.372 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN