Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,614▲ | $38,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.90▲ | $18.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,485▲ | $30,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,236▲ | $34,845 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,967▲ | $59,388 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,536▲ | $83,007 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $9,227 (24.04%). Chattanooga's median is -11.20% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $69,051,Knoxville spans $52,121. Chattanooga 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, Chattanooga ($52,058 effective) pays 25.54% more than Knoxville ($41,469 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,536)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,058)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Chattanooga grew 39.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.1% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$33,610 (2019) → $46,910 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$44,040 (2019) → $37,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov