Chief Human Resources Officer.
Knoxville.
$209,000
median salary, 15% below the national average
$158,000 to $272,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
A Chief Human Resources Officer in Knoxville earns a median of $209,000 in 2026. That is 15% below the national average. The range runs from $158,000 to $272,000, and where you land depends on your experience, your skills, and how well you negotiate. Company size and workforce headcount are the dominant salary drivers for CHROs.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $188,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$136,000
to $167,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$178,000
to $219,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$230,000
to $272,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$261,000
to $324,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $145,000 to the total package.
Base
$209,000
Equity
$79,000
Bonus
$49,000
Signing
$17,000
Estimated total: $354,000
How Knoxville compares
Knoxville, TN
$209,000
Cost of living: 11% below average
National Average
$245,000
Knoxville is $36,000 below
Chief Human Resources Officer salary by city
Salary by role in Knoxville
What you should know
Here is what the Chief Human Resources Officer market actually looks like in Knoxville. Knoxville benefits from the presence of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The national lab drives strong demand for research scientists, engineers, and data analysts. No state income tax and affordable living make it an attractive value proposition. Company size and workforce headcount are the dominant salary drivers for CHROs. Organizations with over 5,000 employees typically pay 30 to 50% more than mid-market firms. Industry regulation intensity, M&A activity, and global workforce complexity also push compensation upward significantly.
HR directors earn $130,000 to $180,000 before reaching VP of HR at $170,000 to $250,000. SVP of HR roles pay $220,000 to $320,000 in base salary. CHROs at large enterprises command $280,000 to $400,000 base, with total packages often doubling that figure. In Knoxville, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 11% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. CHROs receive comprehensive executive packages including 30 to 50% annual bonuses, equity grants worth $100,000 to $500,000, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental executive retirement benefits. Total compensation often reaches $400,000 to $800,000. And on the tax side: tennessee has no state income tax on wages. Knoxville has no city income tax. This zero income tax environment combined with very affordable housing creates excellent purchasing power. When someone quotes you $209,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight Oak Ridge National Lab and DOE experience. National lab affiliations and security clearances command significant premiums in the Knoxville area. The range for Chief Human Resources Officers in Knoxville runs from $158,000 to $272,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Director of Generative AI in Knoxville earns $211,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Knoxville is Distinguished Engineer at $305,000
Common questions.
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