How much does a social worker make in Knoxville?
$38,830a year
Median yearly pay for social workers in the Knoxville, TN metro area. That is $18.67 an hour or $3,236 a month.
- Hourly
- $18.67
- Vs. national median
- -46%
- Rank among cities
- 220 of 224
- Jobs in the area
- 260
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $30,670Median: $38,830Highest 10%: $78,000
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $30,670 | $14.75 | |
| 25th | $33,050 | $15.89 | |
| Median | $38,830 | $18.67 | |
| 75th | $57,030 | $27.42 | |
| 90th | $78,000 | $37.50 |
Other cities in Tennessee
Median yearly pay for social workers.
| Clarksville, TN | $100,400 |
| Johnson City, TN | $88,380 |
| Nashville, TN | $58,780 |
| Memphis, TN | $53,680 |
| Chattanooga, TN | $53,640 |
| Kingsport, TN | $36,950 |
| Jackson, TN | $36,300 |
Related jobs in Knoxville
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Health Education Specialist | $64,320 |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $61,560 |
| Educational | $58,640 |
| Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist | $58,030 |
| Clergy | $57,140 |
| Child | $56,310 |
| Counselor | $52,880 |
| Community and Social Service Specialist | $52,880 |
| Substance Abuse | $48,910 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $45,660 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a social worker make an hour in Knoxville?
The median hourly pay in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $18.67 ($38,830 a year).
Do social workers make more in Knoxville than the national average?
No: $38,830 against $71,900 nationally, 46% less.
How does Knoxville compare with the rest of Tennessee?
The median in Tennessee is $51,460, so Knoxville pays 25% less.
Where does Knoxville rank for social worker pay?
220 of 224 metro areas with data.
How much does a social worker make starting out in Knoxville?
The lowest-paid 10% make $30,670 or less a year; the top 10% make $78,000 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.