Knoxville vs Smyrna: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,474 | $100,956▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.35 | $48.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,445 | $75,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,818 | $83,683▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,007 | $119,949▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,245 | $129,351▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Smyrna, TN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $2,482 (2.52%). Smyrna's median is -4.11% 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,Smyrna spans $53,843. 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, Smyrna ($109,974 effective) pays 3.38% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,956/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,351)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,974)
- ✓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 Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$83,660 (2019) → $96,110 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$85,367 (2024) → $98,532 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
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