H-1B Visa Jobs in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville, TN has 1,551 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN is $86,237, which is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Knoxville, TN is THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE.
FY 2026 Q1: 42 certified LCAs in Knoxville, TN
Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.
Employers filed 42 certified H-1B LCAs for Knoxville, TN in FY 2026 Q1 — the first quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025. The 6-year Q1 baseline (FY 2020–2025) averages 48 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 12% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (68 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Knoxville, TN is down 38%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 35 (low) to 68 (peak in FY 2025).
These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec for each fiscal year. LCAs do not distinguish fee-exposed new-hire petitions from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions that are exempt from the $100K fee, so a soft FY 2026 Q1 number does not necessarily mean fewer H-1B workers are in Knoxville, TN.
Salary Analysis for Knoxville, TN
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $58,083
- 25th percentile: $69,826
- Median: $86,237
- 75th percentile: $113,000
- 90th percentile: $153,362
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 449 (30%)
- Level II (Qualified): 487 (32%)
- Level III (Experienced): 313 (21%)
- Level IV (Expert): 256 (17%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
- Market share: 29%
- Salary range: $30,160 - $650,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Knoxville, TN
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE | 453 | $81,432 |
| 2 | AVANT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS | 94 | $69,826 |
| 3 | PILOT TRAVEL CENTERS | 73 | $113,000 |
| 4 | AMERICA'S COLLECTIBLES NETWORK | 39 | $82,389 |
| 5 | ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE | 36 | $74,526 |
| 6 | SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA | 32 | $117,696 |
| 7 | COGNIZANT | 24 | $79,144 |
| 8 | UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM | 24 | $330,000 |
| 9 | CGI TECHNOLOGIES AND SOLUTIONS | 20 | $93,000 |
| 10 | MASTECH DIGITAL | 18 | $69,514 |
| 11 | INFINITE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS | 17 | $98,000 |
| 12 | SCRIPPS NETWORKS | 16 | $118,830 |
| 13 | DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS | 16 | $125,445 |
| 14 | NTT DATA SERVICES | 12 | $89,274 |
| 15 | THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER | 12 | $79,997 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Knoxville, TN
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 234 | $95,000 |
| Software Developer | 116 | $83,678 |
| Post-Doctoral Research Associate | 94 | $59,058 |
| Clinical Nurse III | 93 | $69,826 |
| Physician | 54 | $280,800 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN is $86,237, based on 1,551 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $95,279 range from the 10th percentile ($58,083) to the 90th percentile ($153,362). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Knoxville, TN earn between $69,826 and $113,000. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 70% at Level II or above.
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE is the largest H-1B sponsor in Knoxville, TN, with 453 certified filings (29% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $81,432. Among the top sponsors, UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM pays the highest median at $330,000. The pay spread across top employers is 375%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Knoxville, TN are Assistant Professor, Software Developer, Post-Doctoral Research Associate. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Knoxville, TN
What is the average H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN?
The median H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN is $86,237, based on 1,551 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 34% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Knoxville, TN reflect the local cost of living, industry mix, and prevailing wage requirements set by the Department of Labor. The DOL determines minimum wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, ensuring H-1B workers are paid competitively with local labor markets. These salary figures represent base compensation in LCA filings and typically don't include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits.
- 10th percentile
- $58,083
- 25th percentile
- $69,826
- Median
- $86,237
- 75th percentile
- $113,000
- 90th percentile
- $153,362
H-1B salaries in Knoxville, TN range from $58,083 at the 10th percentile to $153,362 at the 90th percentile, showing a $95,279 spread. The 25th percentile is $69,826 and the 75th percentile is $113,000.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN has 15+ employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas, ranging from large technology companies to consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. H-1B sponsorship patterns in Knoxville, TN reflect the local economy and industry presence. Major employers sponsor multiple positions across various job functions, while smaller companies may sponsor selectively for specialized roles. When evaluating potential sponsors, consider their sponsorship volume, salary offerings, approval rates, and career growth opportunities.
Top H-1B sponsors in Knoxville, TN:
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE is the largest H-1B sponsor in Knoxville, TN with 453 filings at a median salary of $81,432. AVANT HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS follows with 94 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville, TN has 1,551 certified H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026 across 15+ employers. These LCA filings represent H-1B positions that employers intend to fill, though actual hiring depends on visa lottery selection and USCIS approval. The volume of H-1B activity in Knoxville, TN indicates strong demand for skilled international workers. Job opportunities span various industries and experience levels, with most positions requiring specialty occupations that need at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
The most common H-1B job titles in Knoxville, TN include .
How does Knoxville, TN compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Knoxville, TN's median H-1B salary of $86,237 is 34% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. When comparing cities, consider both salary levels and cost of living. Higher salaries in major metro areas often correspond to higher housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. Knoxville, TN's H-1B market reflects its economic profile, industry presence, and competition for skilled workers. Beyond salary, job seekers should evaluate career growth opportunities, company culture, visa processing track records, and quality of life factors when choosing where to pursue H-1B employment.
Knoxville, TN's H-1B salaries are below the national median, which may be offset by lower cost of living.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Knoxville, TN is $153,362, representing the top tier of H-1B compensation in this market. These high-end salaries typically go to senior engineers, specialized researchers, executives, and professionals with rare expertise. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, advanced degrees, specialized skills, and negotiating leverage. Note that H-1B salary data represents base wages filed in LCA applications and may not reflect total compensation including bonuses, stock grants, and benefits that can significantly increase earnings.
The top 10% of H-1B workers in Knoxville, TN earn $153,362 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $58,083 or less. This $95,279 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.