Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Jackson, TN: $133,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Jackson, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $133,542/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 85.5, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $156,149 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, TN, the potential for experienced civil engineers to earn top-tier salaries is significant, with the projected 2026 pay scale offering a median annual salary of $95,518. However, elite professionals with over seven years of experience can anticipate compensation as high as $133,542, placing them in the 90th percentile of earners in their field. This represents a substantial leap forward in pay, showcasing a noticeable experience premium when compared to the median. Achieving such high-level compensation in this market necessitates a combination of advanced technical skills, leadership capabilities, and relevant specializations, setting apart those who reach these upper echelons of senior civil engineer pay in TN.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $108,983 and $133,542 per year (2026 est.). This $56,077 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $95,518 sits 7.7% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,518 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,983 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $133,542 | $167,513 |
In Jackson, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 39.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $95,518 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,983–$133,542 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Jackson with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Jackson
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #29 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $133,542).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Jackson ($133,542) is 15.7% below the Tennessee average P90 ($158,408).
2019 BLS Actual
$127,900
2025 BLS Actual
$130,120
2026 Current Est.
$133,542
2019–2027 Growth
+7.2%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $127,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,360 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,054 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 1.7% from $127,900 in 2019 to $130,120 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $137,054 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Jackson
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Jackson varies significantly depending on specialization and employment sector. Areas of expertise such as structural engineering, transportation design, and environmental management command higher salaries, making them desirable fields for top earners. When comparing employers, top consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs typically offer more lucrative packages compared to local public works departments or government agencies, which may adhere to stricter salary caps. Career advancement within the profession often follows a structured path, moving from engineer-in-training through to project management and potentially to partnerships in consulting firms. To enhance earning potential, advanced credentials such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license are essential, as they provide access to higher pay scales and greater job responsibilities. Non-salary compensation, including the prestige of a PE license and the impact of infrastructure spending driven by initiatives such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, further incentivizes civil engineers to pursue specialization and leadership roles in Jackson's dynamic engineering market.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Jackson in 2026?
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What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Jackson?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Jackson?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $130,120 for civil engineers in the Jackson metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov