Industrial Designer Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$66,750 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Industrial Designer Jobs in Knoxville

Looking for a Industrial Designer job in Knoxville? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Industrial Designer in Knoxville, TN.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Knoxville has a strong job market for Industrial Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Industrial Designer Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$41,608
Median
$66,750
Senior Level
$97,232

Industrial Designer salaries in Knoxville are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

3D ModelingPrototypingUser ResearchManufacturing KnowledgeSketching

Industrial Designer Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Industrial Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Industrial Designer roles across various sectors. The market for Industrial Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Industrial Designers in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Industrial Designers in Knoxville include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Industrial Designers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Industrial Designer means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Industrial Designer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Industrial Designer in Knoxville

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Industrial Designers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Industrial Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Industrial Designer earning $66,750 would save approximately $3,338 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Industrial Designers

The job outlook for Industrial Designers in Knoxville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Knoxville offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include 3D Modeling, Prototyping, User Research, Manufacturing Knowledge.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Industrial Designer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Industrial Designer salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average Industrial Designer salary in Knoxville, TN is $66,750 per year. Entry-level Industrial Designers typically start around $41,608, while experienced professionals can earn $97,232 or more. The national average for Industrial Designer roles is $75,000.

How many Industrial Designer jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Industrial Designer professionals. Major employers hiring Industrial Designers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Industrial Designers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Industrial Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for design professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Industrial Designers in Knoxville?

Top skills for Industrial Designers in Knoxville include 3D Modeling, Prototyping, User Research, Manufacturing Knowledge, Sketching. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like IDSA membership can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Industrial Designers in Knoxville?

Knoxville's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Industrial Designers in Knoxville?

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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