Project Manager Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$84,550 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Project Manager Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$52,955
Median
$84,550
Senior Level
$122,820

Project 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

Project PlanningAgile/ScrumRisk ManagementCommunicationBudgeting

Project Manager Job Market in Knoxville

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

Top Companies Hiring Project Managers in Knoxville

Local consulting firmsRegional professional servicesNational companies with local presence

Major employers hiring Project 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 Project Managers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Project 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. Housing costs are manageable for Project Manager 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 Project 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 Project Managers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Project 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 Project Manager earning $84,550 would save approximately $4,228 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Project Managers

The job outlook for Project 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 Project Planning, Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Communication.

Relocating to Knoxville

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

The average Project Manager salary in Knoxville, TN is $84,550 per year. Entry-level Project Managers typically start around $52,955, while experienced professionals can earn $122,820 or more. The national average for Project Manager roles is $95,000.

How many Project Manager jobs are available in Knoxville?

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

Knoxville is an solid choice for Project 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 Project Managers in Knoxville?

Top skills for Project Managers in Knoxville include Project Planning, Agile/Scrum, Risk Management, Communication, Budgeting. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Project 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 Project 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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