Johnson City vs Knoxville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,784 | $112,554▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.93 | $54.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,722▲ | $77,862 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,848 | $87,294▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,830▲ | $137,813 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $248,563▲ | $172,277 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 630▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $10,770 (10.58%). 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 Johnson City spans $169,841,Knoxville spans $94,415. Johnson City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($121,589 effective) pays 5.04% more than Johnson City ($115,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($248,563)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,554/year)
- ✓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 Johnson City grew 26.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 10.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$77,890 (2021) → $98,200 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$98,240 (2019) → $108,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
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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