Average Civil Engineers Salary in Knoxville, TN
Civil Engineers in Knoxville, TN, command an average annual salary of $104,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, suggesting a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional demand, project types, and the overall economic landscape of East Tennessee contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $104,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,970.
- Outlook: Knoxville's civil engineering job market supports a local workforce of 820 professionals, with 1.955 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.85 indicates a slightly lower concentration of civil engineers compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Knoxville, TN earns-2.4%below the national average.
$50
$2,000
$8,667
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that civil engineering salaries in Knoxville, like most markets over the past four years, have experienced a steady upward trend. This growth is typically driven by infrastructure development needs, inflation, and increasing demand for specialized engineering expertise, leading to higher compensation for experienced professionals.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Knoxville typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps reflect the increasing value and responsibility associated with advanced roles and specialized knowledge.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,350 | $33.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $78,000 | $37.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,810 | $48 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $130,000 | $62.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $137,970 | $66.3 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$104,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $104,000 in Knoxville 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 Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially stable location for professionals in this field without significant cost-of-living adjustments needed.
Job Market Context
820
Total Jobs
1.955
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.85x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.85, Knoxville has a slightly lower concentration of Civil Engineers than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled engineers. It indicates a healthy demand relative to the supply of professionals in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Civil Engineers Salary | $84,960↓ 18% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Civil Engineers Salary | $87,830↓ 16% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Civil Engineers Salary | $98,470↓ 5% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Civil Engineers Salary | $91,980↓ 12% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Civil Engineers Salary | $98,870↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Knoxville, TN is $104,000. This typically ranges from $69,350 for entry-level positions to $137,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 2.4% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, Knoxville offers a competitive salary for Civil Engineers.The average salary of $104,000 is strong, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power is equivalent to the national average, making it financially attractive.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($84,960) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Knoxville earn an average of $104,000 annually, which is slightly below the national average of $106,590.
What is the job market like for Civil Engineers in Knoxville?
Knoxville has a stable job market for Civil Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 0.85, indicating a solid presence and demand for professionals in the field.
Does the Cost of Living in Knoxville affect Civil Engineer salaries?
No, Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $104,000 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in Knoxville?
There are approximately 820 Civil Engineers employed in Knoxville, TN, representing 1.955 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 820 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 1.955 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN