Human Resources Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN: $114,400 (2026)

Human Resources Manager Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median human resources manager salary of $114,400, which is $1,300 below the Tennessee state average of $115,700. Compared to the national median of $130,000, 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 $114,400 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $130,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for human resources managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for human resources managers in Knoxville spans from $68,816 at the 10th percentile to $183,040 at the 90th percentile — a $114,224 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior human resources managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,200. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level human resources manager earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,200

$-7,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$92,400

$-12,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$145,200

$-19,800 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$68,816	$69,598	$78,200
25th Percentile	$88,880	$89,890	$101,000
Median (50th)	$114,400	$115,700	$130,000
75th Percentile	$146,960	$148,630	$167,000
90th Percentile	$183,040	$185,120	$208,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$68,816

25th Percentile

$88,880

Median (50th)

$114,400

75th Percentile

$146,960

90th Percentile

$183,040

How to Become a Human Resources Manager in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

Talent AcquisitionEmployee RelationsHRIS SystemsComplianceBenefits AdministrationLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, human resources manager 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Human Resources Manager Salary in Knoxville

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

The median human resources manager salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $114,400 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $130,000. Salaries range from $68,816 (10th percentile) to $183,040 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $114,400, a human resources manager in Knoxville earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Knoxville's median human resources manager salary of $114,400 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $115,700. 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 human resources manager salary of $114,400 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most human resources manager positions in Knoxville require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, HRIS Systems, Compliance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Human Resources Manager Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee