Controller.
Knoxville.
$139,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
$106,000 to $183,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Controller pay in Knoxville ranges from $106,000 to $183,000 in 2026. The median is $139,000, 7% below the national average. Knoxville benefits from the presence of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $125,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$90,000
to $111,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$118,000
to $146,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$153,000
to $181,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$174,000
to $215,000
Salary trend
+5% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $28,000 to the total package.
Base
$139,000
Equity
$15,000
Bonus
$10,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $167,000
How Knoxville compares
Knoxville, TN
$139,000
Cost of living: 11% below average
National Average
$150,000
Knoxville is $11,000 below
Controller salary by city
Salary by role in Knoxville
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Controller roles in Knoxville, here is what you are walking into. 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 revenue and organizational complexity are the dominant pay factors. Controllers at companies generating $100 million or more in revenue earn 25 to 40% more than those at smaller firms. Public company experience, especially SEC reporting and SOX compliance expertise, commands significant premiums over private company controller roles.
Senior accountants earn $80,000 to $100,000 before advancing. Accounting managers earn $100,000 to $130,000. Assistant controllers reach $120,000 to $160,000. Controllers earn $140,000 to $200,000. The path to CFO typically goes through VP of Finance at $180,000 to $260,000. 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. Annual bonuses of 15 to 25% tied to audit outcomes, reporting accuracy, and financial close timelines are standard. Equity grants at pre-IPO companies can be substantial, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 annually. Controllers often receive professional development budgets for CPA CPE. 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 $139,000, 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 Controllers in Knoxville runs from $106,000 to $183,000. 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 Cybersecurity Engineer in Knoxville earns $140,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Knoxville is Distinguished Engineer at $305,000
Common questions.
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