Environmental Engineer Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee
The median environmental engineer salary in Knoxville, TN is $85,202 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.
Environmental Engineer Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)
Knoxville offers a median environmental engineer salary of $85,202, which is $968 below the Tennessee state average of $86,170. Compared to the national median of $96,820, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $85,202 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for environmental engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for environmental engineers in Knoxville spans from $53,680 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $76,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,320, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,960. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Environmental Engineer Salary in Knoxville by Experience
In Knoxville, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $56,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,960 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Knoxville, TN
| Percentile | Knoxville |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $53,680 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,880 |
| Median (50th) | $85,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $130,240 |
Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Tennessee Cities
How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Knoxville
Education
Most environmental engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Knoxville
Browse open environmental engineer positions in Knoxville, TN: