Hotel Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN: $53,680 (2026)

Hotel Manager Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median hotel manager salary of $53,680, which is $610 below the Tennessee state average of $54,290. Compared to the national median of $61,000, 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 $53,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $61,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for hotel managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for hotel managers in Knoxville spans from $30,800 at the 10th percentile to $98,560 at the 90th percentile — a $67,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior hotel managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Hotel Manager Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level hotel manager earns around $33,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$33,440

$-4,560 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,440

$-7,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$92,400

$-12,600 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$30,800	$31,150	$35,000
25th Percentile	$39,600	$40,050	$45,000
Median (50th)	$53,680	$54,290	$61,000
75th Percentile	$74,800	$75,650	$85,000
90th Percentile	$98,560	$99,680	$112,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$30,800

25th Percentile

$39,600

Median (50th)

$53,680

75th Percentile

$74,800

90th Percentile

$98,560

How to Become a Hotel Manager in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

Hospitality ManagementCustomer ServiceBudgetingStaff ManagementOperationsRevenue Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, hotel manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Hotel Manager Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Hotel Manager make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median hotel manager salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $53,680 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $61,000. Salaries range from $30,800 (10th percentile) to $98,560 (90th percentile).

How much does a Hotel Manager make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $53,680, a hotel manager in Knoxville earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for hotel manager pay? ▼

Knoxville's median hotel manager salary of $53,680 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $54,290. 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 hotel manager salary of $53,680 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a hotel manager in Knoxville? ▼

Most hotel manager positions in Knoxville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Hospitality Management, Customer Service, Budgeting, Staff Management. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.

Hotel Manager Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee