Civil Engineer Salary in Tennessee
Based on 6K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$95,910
$46.11/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
-3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $154K
6K employed in Tennessee
Discover the latest insights into Civil Engineer salary in Tennessee. The median annual salary for Civil Engineers in Tennessee currently stands at $95,910, falling 3% below the national average, with a typical earning range from $65,090 to $154,100. This data reflects the earning potential for the approximately 5,790 individuals employed in this vital profession within the state.
Several factors contribute to the variation in Civil Engineer salary in Tennessee. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned professionals commanding higher pay. Additionally, the specific employer, industry sector (such as transportation, structural, or environmental engineering), and geographic location within Tennessee can significantly influence an engineer's compensation.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,090 |
| 25th percentile | $76,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $95,910 |
| 75th percentile | $123,160 |
| 90th percentile | $154,100 |
Civil Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Tennessee
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Tennessee.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $78,000 | 7 |
| Level II | Qualified | $92,000 | 7 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,740 |
| 2023 | $89,590 |
| 2024 | $97,730 |
| 2025 | $95,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,910 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $84,740 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $89,590 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $97,730 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $95,910 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,910 | $99,151 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $95,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $123,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $154,100 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Civil Engineer ($95,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in TN | $161,430 | +68.3% | $77.61/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in TN | $128,510 | +34.0% | $61.78/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in TN | $106,470 | +11.0% | $51.19/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in TN | $104,450 | +8.9% | $50.22/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in TN | $99,550 | +3.8% | $47.86/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in TN | $99,080 | +3.3% | $47.63/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in TN | $97,190 | +1.3% | $46.73/hr |
| Materials Engineer in TN | $91,940 | -4.1% | $44.20/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in TN | $95,630 | -0.3% | $45.98/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in TN | $97,700 | +1.9% | $46.97/hr |
| Statistician in TN | $98,230 | +2.4% | $47.23/hr |
| Financial Analyst in TN | $92,990 | -3.0% | $44.71/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a Civil Engineer in Tennessee is $95,910 per year, which equates to about $46 per hour. This is slightly lower than the national average, by approximately 3.3%.
How much can a Civil Engineer in Tennessee expect to make?
- The salary range for Civil Engineers in Tennessee typically falls between $65,090 and $154,100 annually. The median earning in the state is $95,910 per year.
How does a Civil Engineer's salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Civil Engineers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $95,910 per year, which is 3.3% less than the national average. The typical range in Tennessee is $65,090 to $154,100.
What is the total employment for Civil Engineers in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 5,790 Civil Engineers employed in Tennessee. The median salary for these professionals in the state is $95,910 annually.