Program Manager.
Knoxville.
$134,000
median salary, 12% below the national average
$104,000 to $174,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Program Manager pay in Knoxville ranges from $104,000 to $174,000 in 2026. The median is $134,000, 12% 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 $121,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$87,000
to $107,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$114,000
to $141,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$147,000
to $174,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$168,000
to $208,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $34,000 to the total package.
Base
$134,000
Equity
$19,000
Bonus
$12,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $168,000
How Knoxville compares
Knoxville, TN
$134,000
Cost of living: 11% below average
National Average
$152,000
Knoxville is $18,000 below
Program Manager salary by city
Salary by role in Knoxville
What you should know
Before you negotiate a Program Manager offer in Knoxville, understand the terrain. 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. Portfolio complexity and the number of concurrent workstreams are the strongest predictors of program manager pay. Industry matters significantly: defense and healthcare program managers earn 15 to 25% premiums due to regulatory overhead. PMP certification and experience managing budgets above $10 million further widen the range.
Associate program managers start around $90,000 to $110,000. Mid-level program managers earn $130,000 to $165,000, while senior and principal program managers reach $175,000 to $220,000. Directors of program management can exceed $240,000 in total compensation at large enterprises. 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 10 to 20% are standard, often tied to milestone delivery and budget adherence. RSUs are common at tech firms, adding $20,000 to $60,000 annually at senior levels. 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 $134,000, 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 Program Managers in Knoxville runs from $104,000 to $174,000. 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 Data Engineer in Knoxville earns $135,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Knoxville is Distinguished Engineer at $305,000
Common questions.
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