Knoxville vs Nashville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Knoxville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,387 | $53,034▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.45 | $25.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,886 | $36,499▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,845 | $38,793▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,388 | $88,802▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,007 | $93,390▲ |
| Total Employed | 290 | 1,080▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Nashville is $14,647 (38.16%). Nashville's median is -1.10% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $52,121,Nashville spans $56,891. Nashville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashville ($55,050 effective) pays 32.75% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,034/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,390)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,050)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Knoxville grew -14.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 43.5% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$44,040 (2019) → $37,820 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$36,410 (2019) → $52,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Knoxville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Nashville as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Knoxville vs Nashville?
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