Jackson vs Knoxville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $111,995 | $113,526▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.85 | $54.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,312 | $88,150▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,381 | $104,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,485 | $133,057▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,440 | $139,833▲ |
| Total Employed | 410 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Knoxville is $1,531 (1.37%). Knoxville's median is -17.05% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $64,128,Knoxville spans $51,683. Jackson 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, Jackson ($130,955 effective) pays 6.78% more than Knoxville ($122,639 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: $130,955)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,833)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Jackson grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Jackson, TN
$92,600 (2019) → $108,260 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$96,890 (2019) → $109,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Jackson or Knoxville?
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Should I relocate from Jackson to Knoxville as a nurse practitioner?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov