Cookeville vs Knoxville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Cookeville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,698 | $112,554▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.45 | $54.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,683 | $77,862▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,190 | $87,294▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,002 | $137,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,667 | $172,277▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Knoxville is $13,856 (14.04%). Knoxville's median is -9.98% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $78,984,Knoxville spans $94,415. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($121,589 effective) pays 13.09% more than Cookeville ($107,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,554/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,277)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,589)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Cookeville grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$88,970 (2024) → $95,222 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$98,240 (2019) → $108,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Cookeville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Knoxville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Cookeville vs Knoxville?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov