Knoxville vs Sevierville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Sevierville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Sevierville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,853▲ | $92,886 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.53▲ | $44.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,540▲ | $63,562 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,235▲ | $73,111 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,894▲ | $118,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,567▲ | $143,973 |
| Total Employed | 1,110▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sevierville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Sevierville is $5,967 (6.42%). 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 Knoxville spans $99,027,Sevierville spans $80,411. Knoxville 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 5.54% more than Sevierville ($101,183 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,567)
- ✓Larger job market (1,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,788)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Sevierville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Knoxville grew 6.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Sevierville over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$90,620 (2019) → $96,320 (2025)
Sevierville, TN
$76,268 (2024) → $90,506 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Sevierville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Knoxville or Sevierville?
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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