Cookeville vs Memphis: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cookeville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,484 | $98,627▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.94 | $47.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,273 | $68,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,305 | $80,462▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,168 | $129,765▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,899▲ | $135,769 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Memphis is $5,143 (5.50%). Memphis's median is -4.70% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $78,626,Memphis spans $67,582. Cookeville 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, Memphis ($106,995 effective) pays 5.07% more than Cookeville ($101,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,899)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,627/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,995)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cookeville grew 18.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$76,759 (2024) → $91,088 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$80,900 (2019) → $96,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cookeville or Memphis?
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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