Columbia vs Knoxville: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,878 | $62,587▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.30 | $30.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,756 | $50,369▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,189▲ | $50,763 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,364▲ | $63,405 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,262▲ | $73,655 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 3,360▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $3,709 (6.30%). Knoxville's median is -3.11% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $47,506,Knoxville spans $23,286. Columbia 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, Knoxville ($67,611 effective) pays 5.42% more than Columbia ($64,137 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,262)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,587/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,611)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Columbia grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$51,888 (2024) → $58,307 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$51,020 (2019) → $61,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov