Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,387 | $46,297▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.45 | $22.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,886▲ | $28,733 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,845▲ | $34,641 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,388▲ | $59,261 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,007▲ | $71,761 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville and Oak Ridge are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $7,910 (20.61%). Oak Ridge's median is -13.66% 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,Oak Ridge spans $43,028. 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, Oak Ridge ($50,432 effective) pays 21.62% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,007)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,297/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,432)
- ✓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 -12.7% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$44,040 (2019) → $37,820 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$52,240 (2024) → $45,613 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
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