Software Engineer Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median software engineer salary in Knoxville, TN is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median software engineer salary of $109,296, which is $1,242 below the Tennessee state average of $110,538. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $109,296 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $124,200 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for software engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for software engineers in Knoxville spans from $65,648 at the 10th percentile to $174,750 at the 90th percentile — a $109,102 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,640, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level software engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,648 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,416 |
| Median (50th) | $109,296 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,216 |
| 90th Percentile | $174,750 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Knoxville
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open software engineer positions in Knoxville, TN: