Engineering Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Civil Engineer Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median civil engineer salary in Memphis, TN is $77,348 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$77,348
vs State Avg
$-2,699
vs National
$-12,592
Cost of Living
86%

Civil Engineer Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median civil engineer salary of $77,348, which is $2,699 below the Tennessee state average of $80,047. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $77,348 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $89,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for civil engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for civil engineers in Memphis spans from $51,944 at the 10th percentile to $119,196 at the 90th percentile — a $67,252 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,320, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $111,800. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $53,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $111,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,320
$-8,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-12,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$111,800
$-18,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $51,944
25th Percentile $62,952
Median (50th) $77,348
75th Percentile $98,040
90th Percentile $119,196

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$89,940
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$82,745
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$79,147
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$79,147
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Memphis

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Memphis and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Memphis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Memphis

Browse open civil engineer positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Memphis

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $77,348 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $51,944 (10th percentile) to $119,196 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,348, a civil engineer in Memphis earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Memphis's median civil engineer salary of $77,348 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $80,047. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $77,348 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Memphis? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Memphis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.