Clarksville vs Memphis: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Clarksville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Clarksville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,479▲ | $98,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.83▲ | $47.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,299 | $68,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,989 | $80,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,348 | $129,765▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,088▲ | $135,769 |
| Total Employed | 140 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Clarksville, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Clarksville and Memphis is $852 (0.86%). Clarksville's median is -3.88% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clarksville spans $78,789,Memphis spans $67,582. Clarksville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Clarksville ($109,381 effective) pays 2.23% more than Memphis ($106,995 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Clarksville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,479/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,088)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,381)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Clarksville grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Clarksville, TN
$81,320 (2019) → $96,930 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$80,900 (2019) → $96,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Clarksville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Clarksville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Clarksville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Clarksville to Memphis as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov