Elementary School Teacher Salary in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$63,920
in Knoxville · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$65,403
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#82
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Knoxville
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Knoxville, TN is $63,920 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $5,327/month or $31/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Knoxville pays 14% less than the typical city.
Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $63,920 in Knoxville is equivalent to $65,403 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Knoxville metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Knoxville
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $119,990 |
| Registered Nurse | $81,910 |
| Electrician | $52,830 |
| Accountant | $79,890 |
Full cost of living profile for Knoxville
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Knoxville?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Knoxville, TN is $63,920 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Knoxville Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Knoxville Elementary School Teacher pay ($63,920) is 14% below the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Knoxville?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $63,920 salary in Knoxville has the purchasing power of approximately $65,403 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology