Science & Research Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Geologist Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median geologist salary in Knoxville, TN is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$73,638
vs State Avg
$-837
vs National
$-10,042
Cost of Living
88%

Geologist Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median geologist salary of $73,638, which is $837 below the Tennessee state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 $73,638 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $83,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for geologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for geologists in Knoxville spans from $44,880 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $85,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,520, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level geologist earns around $47,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
10th Percentile $44,880
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $73,638
75th Percentile $98,560
90th Percentile $130,240

Geologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$83,680
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$76,986
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$73,638
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$71,965
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Geologist in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open geologist positions in Knoxville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Geologist make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median geologist salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $73,638 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,638, a geologist 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 geologist pay? ▼
Knoxville's median geologist salary of $73,638 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $74,475. 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 geologist salary of $73,638 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Knoxville? ▼
Most geologist positions in Knoxville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.