Kingsport vs Knoxville: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Kingsport, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,321 | $101,963▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.79 | $49.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,283▲ | $65,045 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,401▲ | $81,091 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,098▲ | $130,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,435▲ | $153,330 |
| Total Employed | 240 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kingsport.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Knoxville is $4,642 (4.77%). Knoxville's median is -4.84% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $87,152,Knoxville spans $88,285. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kingsport ($112,579 effective) pays 2.21% more than Knoxville ($110,148 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,435)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,579)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,963/year)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Kingsport grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$93,270 (2019) → $94,560 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$101,060 (2019) → $99,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Kingsport or Knoxville?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov