Military Enlisted Salary in Knoxville, TN — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Knoxville's cost of living (index: 93). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Military Enlisted Salary in Knoxville — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Knoxville
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Knoxville
Knoxville has a metro population of 880,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Knoxville
Other Professions in Knoxville
Military Enlisted Salary — Other Tennessee Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Military Enlisted make in Knoxville, TN?
The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Knoxville is $38,130 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Knoxville's cost of living index (93). The typical salary range runs from $27,435 (25th percentile) to $52,824 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,820.
Is Knoxville affordable for a Military Enlisted?
On a $38,130 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Knoxville would spend approximately 34.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,100/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $285,000 is 7.5× the annual salary.
How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Knoxville's overall income?
Knoxville's median household income is $58,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $38,130 earns 34.3% less than the typical Knoxville household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Knoxville has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.