Jackson vs Knoxville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Jackson, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,952 | $58,105▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.42 | $27.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,997 | $45,171▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,067 | $49,005▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,857 | $64,474▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,803 | $79,758▲ |
| Total Employed | 460 | 1,860▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Knoxville is $3,153 (5.74%). 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 Jackson spans $24,806,Knoxville spans $34,587. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($64,255 effective) pays 2.37% 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 Jackson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,255)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,105/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,758)
- ✓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 Jackson grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Jackson, TN
$45,450 (2019) → $53,320 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$39,560 (2019) → $56,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Jackson or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Knoxville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Jackson vs Knoxville?
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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