Biotechnology Degree Programs in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Quick answer: Natural Sciences Managers in the Knoxville area earn a median $141,130 per year, below the national median of $167,220, and the metro employs about 170 of them (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Biotechnology Pay in Knoxville, TN
| Metric | Knoxville metro | Tennessee | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $141,130 | $124,530 | $167,220 |
| 10th percentile | $77,400 | $66,280 | $79,710 |
| 25th percentile | $106,330 | $96,630 | $119,430 |
| 75th percentile | $164,360 | $180,570 | $221,540 |
| 90th percentile | $366,370 | $223,370 | $316,850 |
| Employment | 170 | 880 | 108,690 |
| Location quotient | 0.57 | - | 1.00 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Metro figures cover the Knoxville, TN metropolitan statistical area.
What the Numbers Say About This Market
The Knoxville median of $141,130 is below the national median of $167,220, and above the Tennessee statewide median of $124,530 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
The metro’s location quotient of 0.57 means natural sciences managers are less concentrated here than in the average U.S. labor market (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Higher concentration generally means more employers competing for the same people, and an easier job change later.
Biotechnology employment is concentrated in a relatively small number of research and manufacturing clusters, so the local picture varies far more than most fields here.
Other Tennessee Metro Areas
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $113,370 | 290 |
| Memphis | $155,420 | 210 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
Licensing
Licensing is a state matter, not a city one. Biotechnology is not a licensed occupation. What regulates the work is the environment rather than the person: FDA good manufacturing practice and good laboratory practice govern process development and production roles, and employers train to them. The laboratory component of a biotechnology degree is hands-on and normally completed on campus.
See the Tennessee licensing and pay overview for the statewide picture, and confirm current requirements with the employers and research institutions hiring in your area.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
No schools in our database within 250 miles. If this is a mistake, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do natural sciences managers make in Knoxville?
The median annual wage for natural sciences managers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $141,130, below the national median of $167,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How many natural sciences managers work in the Knoxville area?
The Knoxville, TN metro area employs about 170 natural sciences managers (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Do natural sciences managers in Knoxville need a license?
Licensing is handled at state level rather than by city. Biotechnology is not a licensed occupation. What regulates the work is the environment rather than the person: FDA good manufacturing practice and good laboratory practice govern process development and production roles, and employers train to them. The laboratory component of a biotechnology degree is hands-on and normally completed on campus. Confirm current requirements with the employers and research institutions hiring in your area.
Can I study biotechnology online from Knoxville?
The academic portion of these programs is widely available online for working adults, while labs, clinical hours or supervised field work are completed in person. Check that the program's accreditation satisfies the employers and research institutions hiring in your area.
Is Knoxville a better market than the rest of Tennessee?
The Knoxville metro median is $141,130 against a statewide median of $124,530 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Compare that gap with the difference in living costs before treating it as a raise.
Related
- Biotechnology degree programs in Tennessee - statewide pay, licensing and metro comparison
- Biotechnology programs and how to choose one
- Chemist career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Natural Sciences Managers (SOC 11-9121), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.