Rigger salary in Knoxville, TN
Riggers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $38,490 a year ($18.51 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $35,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,770 for the top 10%. That is 39% lower than the national median of $62,640. Pay here is 18% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $47,180. There are 0.15 riggers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,300, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for riggers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| 25th percentile | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| Median | $38,490 | $18.51 |
| 75th percentile | $50,710 | $24.38 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,770 | $24.41 |
| Average (mean) | $44,300 | $21.30 |
Half of riggers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,207.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,603.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,480.38 |
| Weekly | $740.19 |
| Hourly | $18.51 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Rigger salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $47,180 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for riggers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $105,600 |
| Oregon | $94,470 |
| Utah | $93,640 |
| Maryland | $91,420 |
| Minnesota | $87,120 |
| California | $85,730 |
| Hawaii | $84,410 |
| New Jersey | $82,130 |
| Illinois | $81,860 |
| Nevada | $81,720 |
See Rigger pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | $46,170 | $22.20 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $69,140 | $33.24 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $56,780 | $27.30 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $99,780 | $47.97 |
| Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $59,970 | $28.83 |
| Medical Equipment Repairer | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Millwright | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | $62,460 | $30.03 |
| Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $59,140 | $28.43 |
| Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other | $85,100 | $40.91 |
| Home Appliance Repairer | $48,990 | $23.55 |
| Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | $46,920 | $22.56 |
More: Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 49-9096. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rigger make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for riggers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $38,490 a year, or $18.51 an hour. Pay ranges from $35,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,770 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid riggers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of riggers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $50,770 a year. The top 25% earn $50,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for riggers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $35,830 a year, and a quarter of riggers earn $37,610 or less.
How many riggers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 70 riggers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.