Knoxville vs Lebanon: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Lebanon, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Lebanon, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,554▲ | $101,921 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.12▲ | $49.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,862▲ | $64,802 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,294▲ | $77,475 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,813▲ | $126,895 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,277▲ | $149,692 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lebanon.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Lebanon is $10,633 (10.43%). Knoxville's median is -9.98% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $94,415,Lebanon spans $84,890. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($121,589 effective) pays 9.52% more than Lebanon ($111,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,554/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,277)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,589)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Lebanon if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Knoxville grew 10.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Lebanon over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$98,240 (2019) → $108,590 (2025)
Lebanon, TN
$91,877 (2024) → $98,332 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Lebanon, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Knoxville or Lebanon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Lebanon?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Lebanon as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Knoxville vs Lebanon?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov