Healthcare Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Surgeon Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median surgeon salary in Knoxville, TN is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$229,599
vs State Avg
$-2,551
vs National
$-25,511
Cost of Living
88%

Surgeon Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median surgeon salary of $229,599, which is $2,551 below the Tennessee state average of $232,150. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 $229,599 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $260,908 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for surgeons seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for surgeons in Knoxville spans from $108,000 at the 10th percentile to $378,000 at the 90th percentile — a $270,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $117,000, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $360,000. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Surgeon Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level surgeon earns around $117,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $360,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$234,000
$-26,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$360,000
$-40,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
10th Percentile $108,000
25th Percentile $157,500
Median (50th) $229,599
75th Percentile $315,000
90th Percentile $378,000

Surgeon Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$260,212
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$239,803
Pop. 152,769
Chattanooga, TN
$229,599
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$224,497
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Surgeon in Knoxville

Education

Most surgeon positions require a doctoral degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Knoxville

Browse open surgeon positions in Knoxville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Surgeon make in Knoxville, TN? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $229,599 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $108,000 (10th percentile) to $378,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Knoxville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $229,599, a surgeon in Knoxville earns approximately $110 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Knoxville's median surgeon salary of $229,599 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $232,150. 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 surgeon salary of $229,599 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Knoxville? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Knoxville require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.