Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,022▲ | $77,888 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.92▲ | $37.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,328▲ | $45,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,100 | $56,080▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $169,959▲ | $99,697 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $450,398▲ | $120,727 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $5,134 (6.59%). Knoxville's median is -23.51% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $405,070,Oak Ridge spans $75,552. 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 ($89,687 effective) pays 5.71% more than Oak Ridge ($84,845 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 ($83,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($450,398)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,687)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Knoxville grew 54.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.0% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$51,910 (2019) → $80,370 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$82,863 (2024) → $75,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov