Software Developer Salary in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$119,990
in Knoxville · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$122,773
adjusted for local cost of living
Software Developers in Knoxville
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Knoxville, TN is $119,990 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $9,999/month or $58/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Knoxville pays 11% 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, $119,990 in Knoxville is equivalent to $122,773 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 Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Knoxville
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $81,910 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,920 |
| 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 Software Developer salary in Knoxville?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Knoxville, TN is $119,990 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Knoxville Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Knoxville Software Developer pay ($119,990) is 11% below the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Knoxville?
Yes. Knoxville has a cost of living index of 97.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $119,990 salary in Knoxville has the purchasing power of approximately $122,773 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology