Civil Engineer Jobs in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee$75,650 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Civil Engineer Salary in Knoxville

Entry Level
$49,173
Median
$75,650
Senior Level
$107,467

Civil Engineer salaries in Knoxville are 11% below the national average, though the lower cost of living often provides similar purchasing power.

Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementConstructionRegulations

Civil Engineer Job Market in Knoxville

Knoxville, TN is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Knoxville offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Civil Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Civil Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Civil Engineers in Knoxville

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Civil Engineers in Knoxville include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Civil Engineers in Knoxville

Living in Knoxville as a Civil Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious professionals. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Housing costs are manageable for Civil Engineer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

89
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Civil Engineer in Knoxville

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Civil Engineers in Knoxville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Civil Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Civil Engineer earning $75,650 would save approximately $3,783 annually. This makes Knoxville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Civil Engineers

The job outlook for Civil Engineers in Knoxville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Knoxville offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction.

Relocating to Knoxville

Knoxville's affordable cost of living means your Civil Engineer salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life. Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Knoxville, TN?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Knoxville, TN is $75,650 per year. Entry-level Civil Engineers typically start around $49,173, while experienced professionals can earn $107,467 or more. The national average for Civil Engineer roles is $85,000.

How many Civil Engineer jobs are available in Knoxville?

Knoxville has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Civil Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Knoxville a good city for Civil Engineers?

Knoxville is an solid choice for Civil Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Civil Engineers in Knoxville?

Top skills for Civil Engineers in Knoxville include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction, Regulations. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Civil Engineers in Knoxville?

Knoxville's cost of living is below the national average (89% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Knoxville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Civil Engineers in Knoxville?

Knoxville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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