Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,883 | $60,276▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.79 | $28.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,826 | $40,560▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,405▲ | $46,590 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,771 | $77,154▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,216 | $93,429▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,170▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Oak Ridge, TN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $393 (0.66%). Oak Ridge's median is -6.59% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $42,390,Oak Ridge spans $52,869. Oak Ridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Oak Ridge ($65,660 effective) pays 1.50% more than Knoxville ($64,690 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,276/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,429)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,660)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Knoxville grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$40,860 (2019) → $58,640 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$52,240 (2024) → $59,025 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
Related Comparisons
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov