Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Knoxville in 2025

Knoxville's tech scene in 2025 is absolutely exploding with opportunities! According to recent market analysis, the city is experiencing a massive 28% surge in tech job openings, way above the national average.

The growth is seriously impressive, with over 6,500 new positions expected and average salaries hitting $72,000. Major players like Amazon and Roblox are transforming the landscape, while Tennessee's projected population growth to 8 million by 2040 promises sustained tech sector expansion.

Total employment is up 4% from last year, with the fastest growth in professional services and education sectors. For anyone looking to break into tech, the timing couldn't be better - companies are actively recruiting in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development.

The city's affordability compared to other tech hubs, combined with competitive salaries and a growing startup ecosystem, makes it an awesome spot for launching a tech career.

Whether you're into AI, blockchain, or web development, Knoxville's tech market is ready for fresh talent ready to make their mark.

When analyzing the top tech jobs in Knoxville for 2025, our methodology draws from comprehensive market data and real-world industry insights. According to recent industry research, the tech job landscape is experiencing significant shifts, with 61% of managers actively planning to hire for new roles.

The ranking criteria focus on three main factors: compensation potential, growth opportunities, and current market demand. A key finding from UC's latest tech career analysis shows that IT professionals now earn double the median annual wage of other occupations, making this an incredibly attractive field.

Salary ranges for tech positions vary significantly, with roles like Systems Security Manager commanding $167,750 at the median level, while Cloud Architects can expect around $165,750.

Our analysis incorporates these figures alongside growth projections, which industry reports indicate will see an 11% increase in IT field employment through 2033.

What makes our methodology particularly relevant is its focus on local market conditions, combining national salary data with Knoxville-specific employment trends.

We've weighted current job availability more heavily than historical data, as the tech landscape continues to evolve rapidly with emerging roles in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing becoming increasingly prominent.

• Salary Analysis: Updated median salary figures from verified sources
• Growth Metrics: Projected industry expansion rates through 2033
• Market Demand: Current job posting frequency and recruitment patterns

This data-driven approach ensures our rankings reflect both immediate opportunities and long-term career sustainability.

The tech scene is super competitive right now, and having accurate, current information is crucial for making smart career moves. These numbers and trends are what you need to watch if you want to stay ahead of the game.

As a Cloud Architect in Knoxville for 2025, you're looking at one seriously exciting career path.

These tech pros are the masterminds behind designing and managing cloud infrastructure that keeps modern businesses running smoothly. The role is seriously in demand right now - just check out the 22 active job listings across the Knoxville metro area! The best part? The salary range is pretty sweet, hitting up to $167,000 for senior positions, with an average of $128,418 annually.

Cloud Architects need to know their stuff when it comes to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms, plus have solid networking and security skills. What makes this role so crucial is that more companies are moving their operations to the cloud, and they need experts who can handle the transition.

The job market is growing at a solid 3.3% rate, with major players like CGI actively hiring and offering opportunities to develop innovative solutions.

You'll need to be sharp with cloud computing, security protocols, and infrastructure design - but if you've got these skills, you're looking at one of the most stable and well-paid tech careers in Knoxville.

The lower cost of living here compared to major tech hubs means your salary goes even further, making it an ideal spot for building a career in cloud architecture.

As a Network Security Engineer in Knoxville for 2025, you're basically the first line of defense against cyber threats.

The role is super intense - we're talking about protecting everything from customer data to company secrets, with salaries ranging from $90,421 to $128,441. What makes this job exciting is how it's always changing.

One day you're setting up firewalls, the next you're hunting down potential security breaches. Working with major Knoxville employers like Oak Ridge National Laboratory means you're protecting seriously important stuff.

The field is absolutely exploding in Tennessee, with an 18% job growth predicted by 2025.

Network Security Engineers are getting paid really well - we're looking at around $98,000 yearly in Knoxville, which goes pretty far considering the city's lower cost of living.

What's really interesting is how the role involves working closely with IT teams and management to create comprehensive security strategies that actually make sense for businesses.

The skills you need are pretty next-level - think AI-driven security systems, incident response, and forensics.

If you're into problem-solving and keeping up with the latest tech, this career is perfect. Companies are investing heavily in cybersecurity, making this role super stable and well-paid.

Plus, with cyber threats getting more sophisticated every day, Network Security Engineers are becoming more valuable than ever. It's definitely not just about monitoring networks anymore - it's about being creative and staying one step ahead of potential threats.

Data Scientists in Knoxville are becoming the architects of business intelligence in 2025, transforming raw data into strategic gold for companies. Career opportunities span across healthcare, private corporations, and government agencies, with roles that combine technical expertise and creative problem-solving.

The University of Tennessee is actively expanding its analytics programs, with new courses in statistics, regression modeling, and machine learning to meet growing industry demands.

Success in this field requires mastery of Python, R, and machine learning algorithms, plus the ability to work with tools like TensorFlow and Tableau.

Internship opportunities in Knoxville are offering salaries between $24,000 to $73,000, making it possible to gain experience while earning.

The full-time positions are even better, with seasoned Data Scientists earning around $130,000 annually.

The job market is seriously heating up - we're looking at an 18% increase in openings across Tennessee through 2025.

Companies are competing hard for talent who can handle everything from predictive modeling to data visualization. What makes this role extra special is how it combines technical skills with strategic thinking.

Every day brings new challenges, whether you're building machine learning models or presenting insights to executives. For anyone interested in tech and analytics, Data Science isn't just a job - it's a chance to shape how companies make decisions and innovate in the digital age.

Machine Learning Engineers are shaping the future of tech in Knoxville, and honestly, it's pretty exciting to see how this field is evolving. These professionals do way more than just code - they're the masterminds behind designing, building, and deploying machine learning models that make AI systems work in real life.

The University of Tennessee is jumping on board too, with their new AI TENNessee Initiative that's all about advancing cutting-edge AI research and getting students ready for these careers.

The daily grind includes optimizing algorithms, collaborating with data scientists, and making sure those AI models keep running smoothly. The best part? Machine Learning Engineers are constantly learning new things, from the latest ML technologies to solving complex problems that nobody's figured out before.

Speaking of growth, the tech scene in Knoxville is absolutely booming.

The average salary for ML Engineers here has hit around $130,000 annually, making it one of the most rewarding tech careers in the area. You'll need to know your stuff - Python, TensorFlow, and PyTorch are must-have skills, plus a solid grip on data analysis tools.

But it's not just about the technical skills; being able to explain complex ideas to non-technical team members and working well in collaborative environments are just as important.

The future looks incredibly bright for ML Engineers in Knoxville.

With major companies investing in AI and automation, and the University of Tennessee pumping resources into AI research, there's never been a better time to jump into this field.

Whether you're interested in healthcare applications, finance, or manufacturing, the opportunities are everywhere. Plus, with Knoxville's growing tech community, you'll find plenty of chances to network and grow your career.

As a Cybersecurity Engineer in Knoxville's tech scene, you'll be at the forefront of protecting organizations from digital threats in 2025. The role has evolved beyond just monitoring networks—now it's about being a strategic defender of digital assets.

According to Robert Half's latest job analysis, these professionals design and implement robust security architectures while conducting regular vulnerability assessments.

The position demands both offensive and defensive security tactics, with salaries ranging from $101,120 to $143,630. What makes this role super interesting is how it combines technical skills with strategic thinking—you'll be working closely with software teams and management to protect organizations from cyber threats.

The University of Tennessee's $50 million investment in computing facilities has created even more opportunities in this field. Daily responsibilities include configuring firewalls, monitoring network traffic, and responding to security incidents.

The most exciting part? The tech community in Knoxville is thriving, with major players like Oak Ridge National Laboratory offering competitive salaries and cutting-edge projects.

Essential skills include Python programming, cloud security expertise, and hands-on experience with security tools like IDS/IPS systems. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, plus certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+.

As a software engineer in Knoxville, you're looking at a seriously exciting career path in 2025.

The job market is growing at a steady 3.3%, and the best part? Entry-level positions at companies like Cisco are offering starting salaries between $63K to $76K.

Your day-to-day involves creating and maintaining software applications, debugging code, and collaborating with different teams on innovative projects. The tech stack is pretty diverse - you'll need to know Python, Java, and C++, plus stay current with cloud platforms and database management.

The essential skills that'll make you stand out include:

• Solid programming fundamentals are crucial for understanding more complex concepts.
• Experience with Agile development allows for efficient project management and teamwork.
• Mastery of version control systems like Git helps in tracking and managing code changes.
• Strong cloud platform knowledge ensures you can manage and deploy applications effectively.
• Relevant database management skills are vital for handling and organizing data securely.

What makes Knoxville awesome for tech careers is that major players like Oak Ridge National Laboratory and CGI are expanding their operations here.

Plus, the lower cost of living means your salary goes further than in larger tech hubs. Whether you're building mobile apps, creating data analysis tools, or working on e-commerce platforms, there's always something new to learn and create.

The salary range for software engineers varies from $47,200 to $91,700, with experienced developers pulling in even more. It's honestly one of the most stable and rewarding tech careers you can choose right now.

The cybersecurity field is exploding right now, with employment projected to grow 32% by 2032.

As a Penetration Tester in Knoxville, you have the opportunity to be the good guy who finds security holes before the bad actors do. These ethical hackers run simulated attacks on company systems, essentially getting paid to think like cybercriminals—but for a positive cause.

According to recent data, the average salary stands at $121,943, with opportunities for additional earnings through bounty programs and consulting work.

The role requires mastery of various skills, including network security, programming languages like Python and Ruby, and threat modeling.

While many think you need a four-year degree, what really matters are your technical skills and certifications like CEH or OSCP. Junior Penetration Testers typically start with vulnerability assessments and basic security tests, working their way up to more complex assignments.

The best part? Many positions offer remote work options, letting you *protect networks* from anywhere. With Knoxville's growing tech scene and the University of Tennessee's cybersecurity programs, there's never been a better time to jump into this field.

Companies are desperate for security talent, and penetration testing offers a perfect blend of problem-solving challenges and real-world impact.

As an AI Research Scientist in 2025, you're basically shaping the future of tech, working on everything from making machines understand human speech to teaching computers to see.

The role is absolutely blowing up in Knoxville, where companies are racing to get ahead with AI. What's super exciting is that the field keeps growing - we're seeing a 30% jump in job opportunities, according to recent data, which is way more than initially predicted.

If you want to make it in this field, you need to be seriously skilled in coding and AI frameworks.

The most crucial skills include mastering Python, getting comfortable with deep learning, and being able to crunch complex data.

The coolest part? You get to work with cutting-edge tech and solve problems that nobody's figured out before. Plus, you're not just coding alone - you're constantly collaborating with other tech experts to turn research into real-world solutions.

The money situation is pretty sweet too.

AI Research Scientists are earning up to $225,000 annually in 2025, especially if you're working at top tech companies.

Knoxville's tech scene is getting more competitive by the day, which means salaries keep climbing. The shortage of qualified AI researchers isn't going away anytime soon, so if you've got the skills, you're in a really strong position.

If you're into tech and want a career that's both challenging and rewarding, becoming an AI Research Scientist is a solid choice.

You'll be working on stuff that actually matters and changes how people live and work. Plus, Knoxville's becoming a legit tech hub, making it the perfect place to grow your career in AI.

DevOps Engineers are seriously shaking up Knoxville's tech scene in 2025! According to recent data, the tech sector is contributing $4.2 billion to Knoxville's economy, with DevOps roles playing a major part in this growth.

These pros are basically the ultimate problem-solvers, bridging the gap between development and operations teams while making everything run smoother and faster.

They're the ones making sure software gets from idea to reality without any drama.

What makes a DevOps Engineer stand out? The most in-demand skills include mastery of tools like Ansible, Jenkins, and Azure DevOps, plus solid experience with Linux and cloud platforms.

The salary range is pretty sweet too - we're talking between $95,000 to $125,000, with senior roles pushing past $150,000. The best part? Companies are literally competing for talent right now, especially those with both technical skills and the ability to work well with different teams.

The daily life of a DevOps Engineer involves building and expanding IT infrastructure, automating everything possible, and keeping production environments running smoothly.

It's perfect for tech enthusiasts who love staying ahead of the curve with new tools and technologies. Required certifications like Docker Certified Associate (DCA) and AWS Certified DevOps Engineer definitely boost your market value, and with the field growing so fast, there's always something new to learn.

The future's looking super bright for anyone considering this career path in Knoxville!

Information Security Analysts in Knoxville are the front-line defenders against cyber threats, and honestly, it's one of the most exciting tech roles right now.

According to recent salary data, these professionals earn an impressive average of $125,800 annually, with entry-level positions starting at $99,050.

The role involves responding to security incidents, analyzing vulnerabilities, and implementing protective measures across networks and systems. Major employers like the University of Tennessee are actively seeking security analysts for hybrid work arrangements, offering competitive salaries and flexible schedules.

The technical requirements are pretty intense, but that's what makes it interesting.

You'll need to master:

• Incident response and SIEM tools
• Cloud security (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
• Risk management and compliance standards

What's really cool is that Knoxville's cybersecurity job market is growing faster than the national average, with a predicted 28% growth by 2031.

The field offers tons of advancement opportunities, and getting certifications like CISSP or Security+ can boost your earning potential by $10,000 to $15,000 annually.

For anyone interested in tech and problem-solving, this career path offers both job security and the chance to work with cutting-edge technology.

Plus, with major organizations like Oak Ridge National Laboratory right here in Knoxville, there's no shortage of meaningful work protecting critical systems and data.

Looking at Knoxville's tech scene in 2025, things are seriously heating up! Tech salaries are reaching up to $150,000 at major employers like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, while the University of Tennessee is dropping $50 million into new computing facilities.

The job market is totally different from what people might expect - we're seeing a massive 28% surge in tech opportunities, with roles in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI leading the pack.

Tennessee's economy is predicted to grow faster than the U.S. average in 2025, which is super exciting for anyone looking to break into tech.

What's really cool is how the tech job market is evolving with AI and machine learning becoming huge priorities - like, 87% of hiring managers are specifically looking for people with AI experience.

The best part? You don't have to move to Silicon Valley anymore. Knoxville offers this perfect balance of opportunity and actually being able to afford rent. Entry-level positions are starting between $72,500 to $88,000, which goes way further here than in places like San Francisco or New York.

Cloud architects and AI engineering roles are the hottest tickets right now, with companies desperately looking for people who know their way around Python, JavaScript, and AI tools.

And if you're worried about getting started, bootcamps like Nucamp are offering flexible programs starting at just $458, with payment plans that won't destroy your bank account.

Plus, there are scholarships available if you need the extra boost. The tech scene here is honestly just getting started, and it's the perfect time to jump in!