Automotive & Maintenance Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Auto Mechanic Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median auto mechanic salary in Knoxville, TN is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$41,351
vs State Avg
$-470
vs National
$-5,639
Cost of Living
88%

Auto Mechanic Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median auto mechanic salary of $41,351, which is $470 below the Tennessee state average of $41,821. Compared to the national median of $46,990, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $41,351 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for auto mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for auto mechanics in Knoxville spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $66,000 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior auto mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Auto Mechanic Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level auto mechanic earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $32,560
Median (50th) $41,351
75th Percentile $52,800
90th Percentile $66,000

Auto Mechanic Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Auto Mechanic in Knoxville

Education

Most auto mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Automotive DiagnosticsEngine RepairBrake SystemsElectrical SystemsASE CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Auto Mechanic Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open auto mechanic positions in Knoxville, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Auto Mechanic Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Auto Mechanic make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median auto mechanic salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,990. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $66,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Auto Mechanic make per hour in Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,351, a auto mechanic in Knoxville earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for auto mechanic pay? ▼
Knoxville's median auto mechanic salary of $41,351 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $41,821. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a auto mechanic salary of $41,351 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a auto mechanic in Knoxville? ▼
Most auto mechanic positions in Knoxville require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Automotive Diagnostics, Engine Repair, Brake Systems, Electrical Systems. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.