Plant Manager Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$97,900 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Plant Manager Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$60,520
Median
$97,900
Senior Level
$143,290

Plant Manager 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

Plant OperationsP&L ManagementTeam LeadershipSafetyContinuous Improvement

Plant Manager Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Plant Manager professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for Plant Manager talent. The market for Plant Manager positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Plant Managers in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Plant Managers 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 Plant Managers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Plant Manager 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. At median Plant Manager salary, housing is quite affordable at 22% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. 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 Plant Manager 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 Plant Managers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Plant Manager 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 Plant Manager earning $97,900 would save approximately $4,895 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Plant Managers

The job outlook for Plant Managers 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 Plant Operations, P&L Management, Team Leadership, Safety.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Plant Manager 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 Plant Manager salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average Plant Manager salary in Knoxville, TN is $97,900 per year. Entry-level Plant Managers typically start around $60,520, while experienced professionals can earn $143,290 or more. The national average for Plant Manager roles is $110,000.

How many Plant Manager jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Plant Manager professionals. Major employers hiring Plant Managers 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 Plant Managers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Plant Managers. 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 manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Plant Managers in Knoxville?

Top skills for Plant Managers in Knoxville include Plant Operations, P&L Management, Team Leadership, Safety, Continuous Improvement. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Plant Managers 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 Plant Managers 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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