Judge Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median judge salary in Knoxville, TN is $130,266 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Judge Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median judge salary of $130,266, which is $1,481 below the Tennessee state average of $131,747. Compared to the national median of $148,030, 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 $130,266 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $148,030 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for judges seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for judges in Knoxville spans from $51,040 at the 10th percentile to $202,400 at the 90th percentile — a $151,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,200. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Judge Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level judge earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $51,040 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,200 |
| Median (50th) | $130,266 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,400 |
Judge Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Judge in Knoxville
Education
Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, judge employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Judge Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open judge positions in Knoxville, TN: