Plumber Salary

Knoxville vs Morristown: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$61,368
$29.51/hr
Morristown, TN
$55,135
$26.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNMorristown, TN
Median Salary$61,368$55,135
Hourly Rate$29.51$26.51
Entry Level (P10)$39,921$37,246
25th Percentile$48,379$44,965
75th Percentile$75,321$64,813
Top Earner (P90)$81,565$75,803
Total Employed1,70070
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($61,368) and Morristown ($55,135) plumber salaries.KnoxvilleMorristownMedian Salary$61,368$55,135Entry Level (P10)$39,921$37,246Top Earner (P90)$81,565$75,803US Median $65,408

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morristown.

The salary gap between Knoxville and Morristown is $6,233 (11.30%). Knoxville's median is -6.18% compared to the US national median of $65,408.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $41,644,Morristown spans $38,557. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$39,921
P25$48,379
Median$61,368
P75$75,321
P90 (Top)$81,565
Morristown
P10 (Entry)$37,246
P25$44,965
Median$55,135
P75$64,813
P90 (Top)$75,803

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($66,294 effective) pays 3.84% more than Morristown ($63,840 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $61,368
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $66,294
Morristown
Nominal: $55,135
CoL Index: 86.364
Adjusted: $63,840

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 ($61,368/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,565)
  • Larger job market (1,700 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,294)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Morristown if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Knoxville grew 34.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in Morristown over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+34.2%

$44,610 (2019) → $59,860 (2025)

Morristown, TN

+7.6%

$49,960 (2019) → $53,780 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Knoxville or Morristown?

Knoxville has a higher median plumber salary at $61,368/year, compared to Morristown at $55,135/year — a difference of $6,233 (11.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Morristown?

Knoxville plumbers earn $29.51/hr while Morristown hygienists earn $26.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to Morristown as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and Morristown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $66,294, Morristown = $63,840), job availability (1,700 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Knoxville vs Morristown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $39,921 in Knoxville and $37,246 in Morristown. The Knoxville area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP

Career Analyst

Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov