Systems Administrator Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median systems administrator salary in Knoxville, TN is $74,633 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Systems Administrator Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median systems administrator salary of $74,633, which is $848 below the Tennessee state average of $75,481. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $74,633 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $84,810 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for systems administrators in Knoxville spans from $45,760 at the 10th percentile to $116,160 at the 90th percentile — a $70,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,400, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,000. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Systems Administrator Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $48,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $45,760 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,960 |
| Median (50th) | $74,633 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,160 |
Systems Administrator Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Systems Administrator in Knoxville
Education
Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, systems administrator 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 Systems Administrator Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open systems administrator positions in Knoxville, TN: