Painter Salary in Knoxville, TN: $39,336 (2026)

Painter Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median painter salary of $39,336, which is $447 below the Tennessee state average of $39,783. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $39,336 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $44,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for painters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for painters in Knoxville spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $61,600 at the 90th percentile — a $35,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,280, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $58,080. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Painter Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level painter earns around $27,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $58,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,280

$-3,720 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$39,600

$-5,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$58,080

$-7,920 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$26,400	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$31,680	$32,040	$36,000
Median (50th)	$39,336	$39,783	$44,700
75th Percentile	$50,160	$50,730	$57,000
90th Percentile	$61,600	$62,300	$70,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$26,400

25th Percentile

$31,680

Median (50th)

$39,336

75th Percentile

$50,160

90th Percentile

$61,600

How to Become a Painter in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter 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: Painter Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Painter make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median painter salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $39,336 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $61,600 (90th percentile).

How much does a Painter make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $39,336, a painter in Knoxville earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Knoxville's median painter salary of $39,336 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $39,783. 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 painter salary of $39,336 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most painter positions in Knoxville require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Painter Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee