Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median machine learning engineer salary in Knoxville, TN is $117,040 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Machine Learning Engineer Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median machine learning engineer salary of $117,040, which is $1,330 below the Tennessee state average of $118,370. Compared to the national median of $133,000, 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 $117,040 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $133,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for machine learning engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for machine learning engineers in Knoxville spans from $72,160 at the 10th percentile to $180,400 at the 90th percentile — a $108,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $77,440, while senior machine learning engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,960. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level machine learning engineer earns around $77,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $72,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,040 |
| Median (50th) | $117,040 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,400 |
Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Machine Learning Engineer in Knoxville
Education
Most machine learning engineer positions require a master's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, machine learning engineer employment is projected to grow 40% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open machine learning engineer positions in Knoxville, TN: