Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,527 | $53,145▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.78 | $25.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,359▲ | $37,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,826▲ | $42,060 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,634 | $66,445▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,316 | $82,375▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Oak Ridge, TN offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $1,618 (3.14%). Oak Ridge's median is -18.36% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $37,957,Oak Ridge spans $44,608. Oak Ridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Oak Ridge ($57,892 effective) pays 4.00% more than Knoxville ($55,663 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,145/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,375)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,892)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Knoxville grew 5.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$47,160 (2019) → $49,780 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$46,835 (2024) → $51,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a paralegal?
What do entry-level paralegals earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov