Civil Engineer Salary

Knoxville vs Tullahoma: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$98,853
$47.53/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$90,903
$43.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$98,853$90,903
Hourly Rate$47.53$43.70
Entry Level (P10)$65,540$67,020
25th Percentile$78,235$72,711
75th Percentile$130,894$113,336
Top Earner (P90)$164,567$137,673
Total Employed1,1104
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($98,853) and Tullahoma ($90,903) civil engineer salaries.KnoxvilleTullahomaMedian Salary$98,853$90,903Entry Level (P10)$65,540$67,020Top Earner (P90)$164,567$137,673US Median $103,492

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Knoxville and Tullahoma is $7,950 (8.75%). 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,Tullahoma spans $70,653. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$65,540
P25$78,235
Median$98,853
P75$130,894
P90 (Top)$164,567
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$67,020
P25$72,711
Median$90,903
P75$113,336
P90 (Top)$137,673

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($106,788 effective) pays 7.84% more than Tullahoma ($99,023 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $98,853
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $106,788
Tullahoma
Nominal: $90,903
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $99,023

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 Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+6.3%

$90,620 (2019) → $96,320 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+18.7%

$74,640 (2024) → $88,574 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Knoxville or Tullahoma?

Knoxville has a higher median civil engineer salary at $98,853/year, compared to Tullahoma at $90,903/year — a difference of $7,950 (8.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Tullahoma?

Knoxville civil engineers earn $47.53/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $43.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to Tullahoma as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $106,788, Tullahoma = $99,023), job availability (1,110 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Knoxville vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $65,540 in Knoxville and $67,020 in Tullahoma. The Tullahoma area offers higher starting salaries.
JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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