Johnson City vs Knoxville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,639 | $98,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.69 | $47.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,039 | $65,540▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,983 | $78,235▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,328 | $130,894▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,515▲ | $164,567 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,110▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $14,214 (16.79%). Knoxville's median is -4.48% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $134,476,Knoxville spans $99,027. Johnson City 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, Knoxville ($106,788 effective) pays 10.94% more than Johnson City ($96,259 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,515)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,853/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,788)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Johnson City grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$70,310 (2019) → $82,470 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$90,620 (2019) → $96,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
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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