Science & Research Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Chemist Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median chemist salary in Knoxville, TN is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$72,855
vs State Avg
$-828
vs National
$-9,935
Cost of Living
88%

Chemist Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median chemist salary of $72,855, which is $828 below the Tennessee state average of $73,683. Compared to the national median of $82,790, 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 $72,855 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $82,790 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for chemists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemists in Knoxville spans from $42,240 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $82,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level chemist earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
10th Percentile $42,240
25th Percentile $54,560
Median (50th) $72,855
75th Percentile $95,920
90th Percentile $124,960

Chemist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$82,790
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$76,167
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$72,855
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$71,199
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Chemist in Knoxville

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist 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 Chemist Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open chemist positions in Knoxville, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Chemist make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median chemist salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $72,855 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $42,240 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,855, a chemist in Knoxville earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for chemist pay? ▼
Knoxville's median chemist salary of $72,855 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $73,683. 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 chemist salary of $72,855 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Knoxville? ▼
Most chemist positions in Knoxville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.