Knoxville vs Morristown: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Morristown, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,963▲ | $82,840 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.02▲ | $39.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,045 | $65,426▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,091▲ | $72,569 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,585▲ | $109,836 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,330▲ | $139,354 |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morristown.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Morristown is $19,123 (23.08%). Knoxville's median is -4.84% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $88,285,Morristown spans $73,928. Knoxville 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 ($110,148 effective) pays 14.83% more than Morristown ($95,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,963/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,330)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,148)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Morristown if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Knoxville grew -2.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Morristown over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$101,060 (2019) → $99,070 (2025)
Morristown, TN
$82,640 (2019) → $80,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Morristown, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Knoxville or Morristown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Morristown?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Morristown as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Knoxville vs Morristown?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov