Civil Engineer Salary

Memphis vs Sevierville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

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

Memphis, TN
$98,627
$47.42/hr
Sevierville, TN
$92,886
$44.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNSevierville, TN
Median Salary$98,627$92,886
Hourly Rate$47.42$44.65
Entry Level (P10)$68,187$63,562
25th Percentile$80,462$73,111
75th Percentile$129,765$118,125
Top Earner (P90)$135,769$143,973
Total Employed7805
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($98,627) and Sevierville ($92,886) civil engineer salaries.MemphisSeviervilleMedian Salary$98,627$92,886Entry Level (P10)$68,187$63,562Top Earner (P90)$135,769$143,973US Median $103,492

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sevierville.

The salary gap between Memphis and Sevierville is $5,741 (6.18%). 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 Memphis spans $67,582,Sevierville spans $80,411. Sevierville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$68,187
P25$80,462
Median$98,627
P75$129,765
P90 (Top)$135,769
Sevierville
P10 (Entry)$63,562
P25$73,111
Median$92,886
P75$118,125
P90 (Top)$143,973

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($106,995 effective) pays 5.74% more than Sevierville ($101,183 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $98,627
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $106,995
Sevierville
Nominal: $92,886
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $101,183

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Sevierville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($143,973)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Memphis grew 18.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Sevierville over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+18.8%

$80,900 (2019) → $96,100 (2025)

Sevierville, TN

+18.7%

$76,268 (2024) → $90,506 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Memphis or Sevierville?

Memphis has a higher median civil engineer salary at $98,627/year, compared to Sevierville at $92,886/year — a difference of $5,741 (6.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Sevierville?

Memphis civil engineers earn $47.42/hr while Sevierville hygienists earn $44.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Sevierville as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Sevierville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $106,995, Sevierville = $101,183), job availability (780 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Memphis vs Sevierville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $68,187 in Memphis and $63,562 in Sevierville. The Memphis 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