Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,474▲ | $97,994 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.35▲ | $47.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,445 | $73,606▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,818 | $81,338▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,007 | $113,419▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,245 | $129,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $480 (0.49%). Knoxville's median is -6.47% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $60,800,Oak Ridge spans $56,122. Knoxville 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, Oak Ridge ($106,747 effective) pays 0.35% more than Knoxville ($106,379 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,474/year)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,747)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Knoxville grew 14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$83,660 (2019) → $96,110 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$82,863 (2024) → $95,641 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov