SalaryNode

Average Civil Engineers Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Civil Engineers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $105,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, indicating a competitive but not exceptionally high-paying market. Local economic factors and demand within the region contribute to this specific compensation level.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $105,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $154,850.
  • Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a local workforce of 460 Civil Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests a stable, though not booming, job market for civil engineering talent, with demand being met by the existing workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$105,410

The average Civil Engineers in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-1.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50.7

Weekly

$2,027

Monthly

$8,784

Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA

Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is significantly influenced by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$66,730$32.1
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$79,058$38
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$97,440$46.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$131,763$63.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$154,850$74.4

Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$105,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$105,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $105,410 in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

460

Total Jobs

1.726

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Chattanooga, TN-GA has 0.75x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Civil Engineers are slightly less concentrated in Chattanooga, TN-GA compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a primary hub for civil engineering employment, implying a moderately competitive job market where opportunities exist but may require proactive searching.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Cleveland, TN Civil Engineers Salary$87,830↓ 17%23 mi
Dalton, GA Civil Engineers Salary$104,050↓ 1%26 mi
Huntsville, AL Civil Engineers Salary$113,060↑ 7%83 mi
Gadsden, AL Civil Engineers Salary$86,530↓ 18%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA

Hiring Civil Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Civil Engineers make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $105,410. This typically ranges from $66,730 for entry-level positions to $154,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 1.1% lower than the national median of $106,590.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.While the average salary of $105,410 is competitive, it falls slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living matching the national average provides good purchasing power.

Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($87,830) and Dalton, GA.

What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The average annual salary for a Civil Engineer in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $105,410.

How does the Chattanooga, TN-GA salary compare to the national average?

The average salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA is slightly lower than the national average of $106,590.

What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA compared to the national average?

Chattanooga, TN-GA has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.

How concentrated is the Civil Engineer job market in Chattanooga, TN-GA?

The concentration of Civil Engineers in Chattanooga, TN-GA is slightly below the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.75.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 1.726 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA