Franklin vs Knoxville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Franklin, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,031▲ | $58,105 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.67▲ | $27.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,366▲ | $45,171 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,239▲ | $49,005 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,641▲ | $64,474 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,792▲ | $79,758 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 1,860▲ |
Verdict
Franklin, TN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Franklin and Knoxville is $11,926 (20.52%). Franklin's median is -10.84% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $60,426,Knoxville spans $34,587. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Franklin ($76,286 effective) pays 21.53% more than Knoxville ($62,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,031/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,792)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,286)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Franklin grew 30.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Franklin, TN
$52,077 (2024) → $67,952 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$39,560 (2019) → $56,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Franklin to Knoxville as a police officer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov