Brentwood vs Knoxville: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Brentwood, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brentwood, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,535 | $132,466▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.76 | $63.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,711 | $81,457▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,985 | $101,391▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,084 | $196,208▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $202,329 | $275,591▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,250▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.
The salary gap between Brentwood and Knoxville is $1,931 (1.48%). Knoxville's median is -20.76% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $126,618,Knoxville spans $194,134. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($143,100 effective) pays 0.64% more than Brentwood ($142,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brentwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($275,591)
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,100)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Brentwood grew 10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Brentwood, TN
$113,345 (2024) → $124,675 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$98,140 (2019) → $126,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brentwood, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Brentwood or Knoxville?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov