Home / City Job Salaries / Civil Engineer in Knoxville

Civil Engineer Salary in Knoxville, TN

How much does a civil engineer make in Knoxville? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Knoxville's cost of living.

Median Salary
$99,810
per year in Knoxville
Entry Level
$60,937
Starting salary
Senior Level
$136,582
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how civil engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Knoxville.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,937$99,810$136,582
Monthly$5,078$8,318$11,382
Biweekly$2,344$3,839$5,253
Weekly$1,172$1,919$2,627
Hourly$29$48$66

Knoxville vs National Average

How Knoxville's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Knoxville Salary
$99,810
COL Index: 103
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,940
Lower in Knoxville

Cost of Living in Knoxville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
187,603
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Knoxville have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
+6%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+5%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+0%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a civil engineer salary in Knoxville.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Knoxville.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Knoxville.

Civil Engineer Salary in Knoxville, TN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Knoxville, TN is $99,810 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Knoxville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Knoxville can expect to earn around $60,937 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $136,582 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Knoxville's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Knoxville are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Knoxville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 16.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Knoxville, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.