Highest and lowest paying education jobs in Knoxville
Written by:
March 6, 2021
Fabrice Florin // flickr
Highest and lowest paying education jobs in Knoxville
Whether you picture hard-working teachers buying school supplies for their students or genius professors shaping future leaders, it’s fair to say education encompasses a wide variety of jobs. So much so that there’s room to specialize and pursue your passion.
Historically, teachers’ pay is a rather contentious topic. The median annual salary across all teaching professions is $57,949—about $3,000 below the median annual salary of all working professionals with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Despite this, many of these jobs are rewarding in more ways than one. In other words, education can be very lucrative—particularly within specialty fields.
Stacker compiled a list of the highest- and lowest-paying education jobs in Knoxville, TN using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2019 annual mean wage. Keep reading to discover the highest- and lowest-paying education jobs in your city.
1 / 37
Education Images // Getty Images
#37. Substitute teachers, short-term
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $20,880
- #271 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Employment: 587,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($58,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,870)
--- Salinas, CA ($49,790)
- Annual mean salary: $20,880
- #271 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 450
National
- Annual mean salary: $32,460
- Employment: 587,120
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salisbury, MD-DE ($58,740)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($53,870)
--- Salinas, CA ($49,790)
2 / 37
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#36. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
- #304 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($41,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($41,430)
--- New Bedford, MA ($41,360)
- Annual mean salary: $23,270
- #304 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,920
National
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Employment: 1,346,910
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($41,810)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($41,430)
--- New Bedford, MA ($41,360)
3 / 37
Tulane Public Relations // Wikimedia Commons
#35. Sociology teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $32,690
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- Employment: 13,850
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($119,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($118,900)
- Annual mean salary: $32,690
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $85,240
- Employment: 13,850
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,440)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($119,800)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($118,900)
4 / 37
CHRISTOF STACHE // Getty Images
#34. Preschool teachers, except special education
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $34,640
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($55,430)
--- Laredo, TX ($50,350)
--- Waterbury, CT ($49,840)
- Annual mean salary: $34,640
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 730
National
- Annual mean salary: $34,650
- Employment: 431,350
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ ($55,430)
--- Laredo, TX ($50,350)
--- Waterbury, CT ($49,840)
5 / 37
Pixabay
#33. Teaching assistants, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $35,230
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,460
- Employment: 137,500
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($59,650)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,670)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($57,330)
- Annual mean salary: $35,230
- #35 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 350
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,460
- Employment: 137,500
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ ($59,650)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($57,670)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($57,330)
6 / 37
Unsplash
#32. Library technicians
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $37,730
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,950
- Employment: 88,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,980)
--- Iowa City, IA ($54,140)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($52,650)
- Annual mean salary: $37,730
- #88 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $36,950
- Employment: 88,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($58,980)
--- Iowa City, IA ($54,140)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($52,650)
7 / 37
Brian S. Hagberg // Wikimedia Commons
#31. Self-enrichment teachers
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $39,790
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Employment: 252,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,570)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($65,340)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($64,710)
- Annual mean salary: $39,790
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 290
National
- Annual mean salary: $46,120
- Employment: 252,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($65,570)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($65,340)
--- Fairbanks, AK ($64,710)
8 / 37
Florida Fish and Wildlife // flickr
#30. Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $40,370
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,980
- Employment: 14,070
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($141,190)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,150)
- Annual mean salary: $40,370
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $72,980
- Employment: 14,070
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($141,190)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,130)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($102,150)
9 / 37
industryviews // Shutterstock
#29. Career/technical education teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $44,980
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,420
- Employment: 112,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($92,930)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,500)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,100)
- Annual mean salary: $44,980
- #210 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 150
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,420
- Employment: 112,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Salinas, CA ($92,930)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,500)
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,100)
10 / 37
Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock
#28. Mathematical science teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $48,520
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 51,150
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($143,390)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,330)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,750)
- Annual mean salary: $48,520
- #109 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,330
- Employment: 51,150
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($143,390)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,330)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($124,750)
11 / 37
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#27. Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and english as a second language instructors
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $49,070
- #85 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,980
- Employment: 51,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,920)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($92,360)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,000)
- Annual mean salary: $49,070
- #85 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $58,980
- Employment: 51,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($94,920)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($92,360)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($90,000)
12 / 37
Canva
#26. Special education teachers, middle school
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $50,610
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,740
- Employment: 85,840
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($86,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($85,440)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,340)
- Annual mean salary: $50,610
- #157 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,740
- Employment: 85,840
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Worcester, MA-CT ($86,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($85,440)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($85,340)
13 / 37
Iam_Anupong // Shutterstock
#25. Kindergarten teachers, except special education
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $50,620
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,210
- Employment: 124,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($97,220)
--- Modesto, CA ($91,230)
--- Kingston, NY ($89,850)
- Annual mean salary: $50,620
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 580
National
- Annual mean salary: $60,210
- Employment: 124,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($97,220)
--- Modesto, CA ($91,230)
--- Kingston, NY ($89,850)
14 / 37
industryviews // Shutterstock
#24. Career/technical education teachers, secondary school
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $51,040
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- Employment: 74,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($102,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,500)
--- New Haven, CT ($85,740)
- Annual mean salary: $51,040
- #159 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 260
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,800
- Employment: 74,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($102,780)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($87,500)
--- New Haven, CT ($85,740)
15 / 37
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#23. Elementary school teachers, except special education
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $52,400
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Employment: 1,430,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($92,090)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($90,270)
--- Merced, CA ($89,910)
- Annual mean salary: $52,400
- #247 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 3,370
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Employment: 1,430,480
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($92,090)
--- Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($90,270)
--- Merced, CA ($89,910)
16 / 37
DGLimages // Shutterstock
#22. Special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $52,640
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,420
- Employment: 193,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($93,990)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,480)
- Annual mean salary: $52,640
- #197 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 470
National
- Annual mean salary: $64,420
- Employment: 193,830
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Merced, CA ($93,990)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($92,040)
--- Fresno, CA ($89,480)
17 / 37
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#21. Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $52,920
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Employment: 622,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($91,610)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,350)
--- El Centro, CA ($89,610)
- Annual mean salary: $52,920
- #221 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,680
National
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Employment: 622,330
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Kingston, NY ($91,610)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($91,350)
--- El Centro, CA ($89,610)
18 / 37
Photographee.eu // Shutterstock
#20. Special education teachers, secondary school
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,100
- #183 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- Employment: 143,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,500)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,110)
- Annual mean salary: $53,100
- #183 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 310
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,710
- Employment: 143,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($98,500)
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($93,280)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,110)
19 / 37
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#19. Librarians and media collections specialists
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,820
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,920
- Employment: 135,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,390)
--- Merced, CA ($87,800)
- Annual mean salary: $53,820
- #225 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $61,920
- Employment: 135,690
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA ($89,880)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($89,390)
--- Merced, CA ($87,800)
20 / 37
B Brown // Shutterstock
#18. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $53,840
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Employment: 1,035,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($97,680)
--- Fresno, CA ($93,410)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,350)
- Annual mean salary: $53,840
- #232 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,530
National
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Employment: 1,035,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bakersfield, CA ($97,680)
--- Fresno, CA ($93,410)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($93,350)
21 / 37
COD Newsroom // Flickr
#17. English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $57,840
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,180
- Employment: 67,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,190)
--- Fresno, CA ($128,540)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,070)
- Annual mean salary: $57,840
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,180
- Employment: 67,930
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($138,190)
--- Fresno, CA ($128,540)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($121,070)
22 / 37
Shane Global // flickr
#16. Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,170
- Employment: 24,860
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($127,820)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($115,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,010)
- Annual mean salary: $61,480
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $80,170
- Employment: 24,860
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($127,820)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($115,340)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($110,010)
23 / 37
Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#15. Instructional coordinators
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $62,490
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,180
- Employment: 176,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($117,990)
--- New Haven, CT ($111,750)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($103,980)
- Annual mean salary: $62,490
- #189 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,180
- Employment: 176,690
- Entry level education requirements: Master’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jackson, MI ($117,990)
--- New Haven, CT ($111,750)
--- Warner Robins, GA ($103,980)
24 / 37
Irina.stelea // Wikimedia Commons
#14. History teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $63,060
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,210
- Employment: 21,030
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($144,240)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($127,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,750)
- Annual mean salary: $63,060
- #77 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 80
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,210
- Employment: 21,030
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fresno, CA ($144,240)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($127,460)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($114,750)
25 / 37
Simon Fraser Universtiy // flickr
#13. Communications teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $70,800
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 29,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($139,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,640)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($124,400)
- Annual mean salary: $70,800
- #45 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 29,120
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($139,590)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($128,640)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($124,400)
26 / 37
Canva
#12. Health specialties teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $72,260
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,620
- Employment: 201,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jacksonville, FL ($202,430)
--- Jackson, MS ($185,500)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($184,130)
- Annual mean salary: $72,260
- #104 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,620
- Employment: 201,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Jacksonville, FL ($202,430)
--- Jackson, MS ($185,500)
--- Kalamazoo-Portage, MI ($184,130)
27 / 37
Fae // Wikimedia Commons
#11. Psychology teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $74,500
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,530
- Employment: 37,480
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,120)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($128,700)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,520)
- Annual mean salary: $74,500
- #74 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 90
National
- Annual mean salary: $87,530
- Employment: 37,480
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($129,120)
--- Bakersfield, CA ($128,700)
--- Fresno, CA ($127,520)
28 / 37
Lucky Business // Shutterstock
#10. Chemistry teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $75,110
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,650
- Employment: 21,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,130)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($135,530)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($132,340)
- Annual mean salary: $75,110
- #65 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 60
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,650
- Employment: 21,380
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($137,130)
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($135,530)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($132,340)
29 / 37
Suzannekweiss // Wikimedia Commons
#9. Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $79,340
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,160
- Employment: 59,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,980)
--- Rochester, NY ($108,480)
--- New Haven, CT ($107,320)
- Annual mean salary: $79,340
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 110
National
- Annual mean salary: $83,160
- Employment: 59,680
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($120,980)
--- Rochester, NY ($108,480)
--- New Haven, CT ($107,320)
30 / 37
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#8. Political science teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $81,540
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,290
- Employment: 15,750
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($155,410)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($142,680)
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($136,460)
- Annual mean salary: $81,540
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,290
- Employment: 15,750
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($155,410)
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($142,680)
--- Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($136,460)
31 / 37
ESB Professional // Shutterstock
#7. Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space sciences teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $82,210
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- Employment: 11,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($147,800)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($146,430)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($138,680)
- Annual mean salary: $82,210
- #37 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $102,690
- Employment: 11,020
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($147,800)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($146,430)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($138,680)
32 / 37
Kenny Holston // flickr
#6. Recreation and fitness studies teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $82,920
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,720
- Employment: 15,880
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($132,460)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($101,230)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($94,590)
- Annual mean salary: $82,920
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $73,720
- Employment: 15,880
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($132,460)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($101,230)
--- Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT ($94,590)
33 / 37
Fabrice Florin // flickr
#5. Education teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $87,680
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,560
- Employment: 61,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($108,450)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($107,300)
--- Toledo, OH ($106,940)
- Annual mean salary: $87,680
- #14 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,560
- Employment: 61,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($108,450)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($107,300)
--- Toledo, OH ($106,940)
34 / 37
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#4. Biological science teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $93,920
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,700
- Employment: 53,090
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,420)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($142,610)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($140,810)
- Annual mean salary: $93,920
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 240
National
- Annual mean salary: $98,700
- Employment: 53,090
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($143,420)
--- Salt Lake City, UT ($142,610)
--- Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI ($140,810)
35 / 37
Matej Kastelic // Shutterstock
#3. Business teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $113,440
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,440
- Employment: 83,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($177,360)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,210)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($141,870)
- Annual mean salary: $113,440
- #32 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 270
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,440
- Employment: 83,920
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($177,360)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($154,210)
--- Tuscaloosa, AL ($141,870)
36 / 37
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#2. Physics teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $120,470
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,110
- Employment: 13,780
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,240)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,430)
--- Rochester, NY ($144,220)
- Annual mean salary: $120,470
- #10 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,110
- Employment: 13,780
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($148,240)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($144,430)
--- Rochester, NY ($144,220)
37 / 37
Syda Productions // Shutterstock
#1. Economics teachers, postsecondary
Knoxville, TN
- Annual mean salary: $134,040
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,160
- Employment: 13,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($169,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($162,330)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($161,460)
- Annual mean salary: $134,040
- #13 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 50
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,160
- Employment: 13,270
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- College Station-Bryan, TX ($169,320)
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($162,330)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($161,460)
