Physician Assistant Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median physician assistant salary in Knoxville, TN is $113,409 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Physician Assistant Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median physician assistant salary of $113,409, which is $1,260 below the Tennessee state average of $114,669. Compared to the national median of $126,010, 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 $113,409 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $128,874 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for physician assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for physician assistants in Knoxville spans from $75,600 at the 10th percentile to $156,600 at the 90th percentile — a $81,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,200, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,800. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physician Assistant Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $79,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $75,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,400 |
| Median (50th) | $113,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,600 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Physician Assistant in Knoxville
Education
Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open physician assistant positions in Knoxville, TN: