Hendersonville vs Knoxville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hendersonville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hendersonville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,908 | $58,105▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.39 | $27.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,971 | $45,171▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,661 | $49,005▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,201▲ | $64,474 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,341▲ | $79,758 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,860▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hendersonville.
The salary gap between Hendersonville and Knoxville is $3,197 (5.82%). Knoxville's median is -26.02% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hendersonville spans $47,370,Knoxville spans $34,587. Hendersonville 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, Knoxville ($62,769 effective) pays 4.94% more than Hendersonville ($59,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hendersonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,341)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,105/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,769)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hendersonville grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Hendersonville, TN
$51,718 (2024) → $53,278 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$39,560 (2019) → $56,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hendersonville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hendersonville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hendersonville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Hendersonville to Knoxville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Hendersonville vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
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