Chef Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median chef salary in Knoxville, TN is $49,738 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Chef Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median chef salary of $49,738, which is $565 below the Tennessee state average of $50,303. Compared to the national median of $56,520, 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 $49,738 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $56,520 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for chefs seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for chefs in Knoxville spans from $29,216 at the 10th percentile to $86,064 at the 90th percentile — a $56,848 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,800, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,440. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Chef Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level chef earns around $30,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $29,216 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,136 |
| Median (50th) | $49,738 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,064 |
Chef Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Chef in Knoxville
Education
Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Chef Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open chef positions in Knoxville, TN: