Retail Manager Salary in Knoxville, TN: $44,352 (2026)

Retail Manager Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median retail manager salary of $44,352, which is $504 below the Tennessee state average of $44,856. Compared to the national median of $50,400, 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 $44,352 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $50,400 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for retail managers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for retail managers in Knoxville spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $80,960 at the 90th percentile — a $54,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,800. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Retail Manager Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level retail manager earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$28,160

$-3,840 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$45,760

$-6,240 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$74,800

$-10,200 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$26,400	$26,700	$30,000
25th Percentile	$33,440	$33,820	$38,000
Median (50th)	$44,352	$44,856	$50,400
75th Percentile	$61,600	$62,300	$70,000
90th Percentile	$80,960	$81,880	$92,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$26,400

25th Percentile

$33,440

Median (50th)

$44,352

75th Percentile

$61,600

90th Percentile

$80,960

How to Become a Retail Manager in Knoxville

Education

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

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Retail Manager make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median retail manager salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $44,352 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,352, a retail manager in Knoxville earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Knoxville's median retail manager salary of $44,352 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $44,856. 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 retail manager salary of $44,352 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most retail manager positions in Knoxville require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.

Retail Manager Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee