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Real Estate Agent Salary in Knoxville, TN β€” 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.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Knoxville β€” Key Numbers

$50,499
Median Salary
$29,834
25th Percentile
$86,825
75th Percentile
$148,075
90th Percentile
National median (Real Estate Agent)$54,300
vs. National median-7.0%
Knoxville median household income$58,000
vs. City household income-12.9%

Cost of Living in Knoxville

Cost of Living Index
93(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,100/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio26.1%
Annual rent cost$13,200
Median Home Price$285,000
Home Price / Salary5.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$57,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Knoxville

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
880,000
Metro Population
23 min
Avg Commute
37.4
Median Age

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in Knoxville, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Knoxville is $50,499 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $54,300 adjusted by Knoxville's cost of living index (93). The typical salary range runs from $29,834 (25th percentile) to $86,825 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $148,075.

Is Knoxville affordable for a Real Estate Agent?

On a $50,499 annual salary, a Real Estate Agent in Knoxville would spend approximately 26.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,100/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Knoxville relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $285,000 is 5.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Real Estate Agent's salary compare to Knoxville's overall income?

Knoxville's median household income is $58,000. A Real Estate Agent earning the city-adjusted median of $50,499 earns 12.9% 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.

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.