Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Knoxville, TN: $80,361 (2026)

Speech-Language Pathologist Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361, which is $893 below the Tennessee state average of $81,254. Compared to the national median of $89,290, 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 $80,361 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $91,319 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for speech-language pathologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for speech-language pathologists in Knoxville spans from $54,180 at the 10th percentile to $115,200 at the 90th percentile — a $61,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,800, while senior speech-language pathologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level speech-language pathologist earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$55,800

$-6,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$81,000

$-9,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$108,000

$-12,000 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$54,180	$54,782	$60,200
25th Percentile	$65,700	$66,430	$73,000
Median (50th)	$80,361	$81,254	$89,290
75th Percentile	$97,200	$98,280	$108,000
90th Percentile	$115,200	$116,480	$128,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$54,180

25th Percentile

$65,700

Median (50th)

$80,361

75th Percentile

$97,200

90th Percentile

$115,200

How to Become a Speech-Language Pathologist in Knoxville

Education

Most speech-language pathologist positions require a master's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Speech AssessmentLanguage TherapySwallowing TherapyAAC DevicesDocumentationPatient Education

Job Outlook

Nationally, speech-language pathologist employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median speech-language pathologist salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $80,361 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,290. Salaries range from $54,180 (10th percentile) to $115,200 (90th percentile).

How much does a Speech-Language Pathologist make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $80,361, a speech-language pathologist in Knoxville earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for speech-language pathologist pay? ▼

Knoxville's median speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $81,254. 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 speech-language pathologist salary of $80,361 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a speech-language pathologist in Knoxville? ▼

Most speech-language pathologist positions in Knoxville require a master's degree. Key skills include Speech Assessment, Language Therapy, Swallowing Therapy, AAC Devices. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.

Speech-Language Pathologist Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee