Knoxville vs Smyrna: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,466 | $136,785▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.69 | $65.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,457▲ | $79,335 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,391▲ | $98,485 |
| 75th Percentile | $196,208▲ | $175,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,591▲ | $212,018 |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Knoxville and Smyrna are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $4,319 (3.26%). Smyrna's median is -18.18% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $194,134,Smyrna spans $132,683. 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, Smyrna ($149,003 effective) pays 4.13% more than Knoxville ($143,100 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($275,591)
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,785/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,003)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Knoxville grew 28.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$98,140 (2019) → $126,520 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$118,772 (2024) → $130,645 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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