Building Inspector Salary in Knoxville, TN: $56,056 (2026)

Building Inspector Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median building inspector salary of $56,056, which is $637 below the Tennessee state average of $56,693. Compared to the national median of $63,700, 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 $56,056 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for building inspectors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for building inspectors in Knoxville spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $54,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Building Inspector Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level building inspector earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,200

$-7,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$35,600	$40,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,056	$56,693	$63,700
75th Percentile	$72,160	$72,980	$82,000
90th Percentile	$89,760	$90,780	$102,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$56,056

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$89,760

How to Become a Building Inspector in Knoxville

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Building Inspector make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median building inspector salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $56,056 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,056, a building inspector in Knoxville earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for building inspector pay? ▼

Knoxville's median building inspector salary of $56,056 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $56,693. 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 building inspector salary of $56,056 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Knoxville? ▼

Most building inspector positions in Knoxville require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Building Inspector Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee