Kingsport vs Knoxville: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Kingsport, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingsport, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,355▲ | $58,645 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.01▲ | $28.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,994 | $44,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,684▲ | $50,634 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,227▲ | $66,386 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,177 | $79,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Kingsport and Knoxville are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kingsport and Knoxville is $1,710 (2.92%). Kingsport's median is -6.19% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingsport spans $32,183,Knoxville spans $34,734. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kingsport ($69,817 effective) pays 10.20% more than Knoxville ($63,353 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingsport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,355/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,817)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,378)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Kingsport grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Kingsport, TN
$54,410 (2019) → $59,143 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$49,180 (2019) → $57,467 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingsport, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Kingsport or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingsport and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Kingsport to Knoxville as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Kingsport vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov