Maintenance Worker Salary in Knoxville, TN: $38,016 (2026)

Maintenance Worker Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median maintenance worker salary of $38,016, which is $432 below the Tennessee state average of $38,448. Compared to the national median of $43,200, 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 $38,016 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $43,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for maintenance workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for maintenance workers in Knoxville spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $58,960 at the 90th percentile — a $34,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,400, while senior maintenance workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $55,440. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level maintenance worker earns around $26,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$26,400

$-3,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$38,720

$-5,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$55,440

$-7,560 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$24,640	$24,920	$28,000
25th Percentile	$29,920	$30,260	$34,000
Median (50th)	$38,016	$38,448	$43,200
75th Percentile	$48,400	$48,950	$55,000
90th Percentile	$58,960	$59,630	$67,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$24,640

25th Percentile

$29,920

Median (50th)

$38,016

75th Percentile

$48,400

90th Percentile

$58,960

How to Become a Maintenance Worker in Knoxville

Education

Most maintenance worker positions require a high school diploma. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

General RepairPlumbing BasicsElectrical BasicsHVAC BasicsPaintingSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, maintenance worker 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: Maintenance Worker Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Maintenance Worker make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median maintenance worker salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $38,016 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $43,200. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $58,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Maintenance Worker make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $38,016, a maintenance worker in Knoxville earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for maintenance worker pay? ▼

Knoxville's median maintenance worker salary of $38,016 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $38,448. 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 maintenance worker salary of $38,016 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance worker in Knoxville? ▼

Most maintenance worker positions in Knoxville require a high school diploma. Key skills include General Repair, Plumbing Basics, Electrical Basics, HVAC Basics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee