Nashville vs Knoxville: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,885▲ | $58,105 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.08▲ | $27.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,953▲ | $45,171 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,775▲ | $49,005 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,934▲ | $64,474 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,691▲ | $79,758 |
| Total Employed | 4,730▲ | 1,860 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Knoxville is $12,780 (21.99%). Nashville's median is -9.75% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $45,738,Knoxville spans $34,587. Nashville 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, Nashville ($73,579 effective) pays 17.22% 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 Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,885/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,691)
- ✓Larger job market (4,730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,579)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Nashville grew 37.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$49,880 (2019) → $68,780 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$39,560 (2019) → $56,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Nashville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Knoxville as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Nashville 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