Program Manager Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$106,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Program Manager Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$68,085
Median
$106,800
Senior Level
$153,525

Program 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

Program ManagementCross-functional LeadershipStrategic PlanningRisk ManagementStakeholder Communication

Program Manager Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Program Manager 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 Program Manager roles across various sectors. The market for Program Manager positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Program Managers in Knoxville

Local consulting firmsRegional professional servicesNational companies with local presence

Major employers hiring Program Managers in Knoxville include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Program Managers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Program 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 Program Manager salary, housing is quite affordable at 20% 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 Program 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 Program Managers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Program 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 Program Manager earning $106,800 would save approximately $5,340 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Program Managers

The job outlook for Program 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 Program Management, Cross-functional Leadership, Strategic Planning, Risk Management.

Relocating to Knoxville

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

The average Program Manager salary in Knoxville, TN is $106,800 per year. Entry-level Program Managers typically start around $68,085, while experienced professionals can earn $153,525 or more. The national average for Program Manager roles is $120,000.

How many Program Manager jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Program Manager professionals. Major employers hiring Program Managers include Local consulting firms, Regional professional services, National companies with local presence. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Program Managers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Program 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 business & operations professionals.

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

Top skills for Program Managers in Knoxville include Program Management, Cross-functional Leadership, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Stakeholder Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Program 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 Program 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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