Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.5% of gross income.
Oak Ridge rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Oak Ridge, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Oak Ridge
View full rent data for Oak Ridge, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,673 a month. A typical plumber in Tennessee earns about $61,732 a year, which makes that rent 32.5% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Oak Ridge?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Tennessee (~$61,732/yr) supports up to $1,543 a month in rent. Oak Ridge's current median rent is $1,673/mo, which is $130/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Oak Ridge?
At an hourly equivalent of about $30 an hour, a plumber in Tennessee works roughly 56.4 hours a month to cover Oak Ridge's median rent of $1,673.
Where is rent cheaper than Oak Ridge for a plumber?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Dickson ($1,672/mo), Hixson ($1,672/mo), Gallatin ($1,670/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.