How Much Do Civil Engineers Make in Nashville Tennessee? (2025 Salary Guide)

As Nashville grows into a hotspot for real estate, transportation, and green infrastructure, the demand for civil engineers has risen. The massive investments made by both the state and federal governments have allowed Tennessee’s infrastructure to improve, helping civil engineering careers grow.

The average salary for a Civil Engineer in the Nashville, TN area is $83,540 per year, or $1,00,535 per year across the country. Based on the rates our users have given us, these numbers show the median, which is the middle point of the ranges from our own Total Pay Estimate model. But the entry-level civil engineer salary in Nashville is around $65,000 per year

If you are new to your career, about to relocate, or ready for the next salary discussion, knowing the civil engineer salary in Nashville, TN, for 2025 is necessary. The guide reviews salary information by position, professional experience, and long-term trends for people in Nashville and Tennessee.

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Average Civil Engineer Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

In 2025, a civil engineer's wage in Nashville, TN, ranges from $67,000 to $100,000 per year because of their background and what they specialize in.

  • Civil engineer salary entry level: $68,895/year

  • Mid-level engineers (4–6 years): $85,301/year

  • Senior civil engineer salary Tennessee: $1,14,250/year

  • Engineers with BIM or advanced tech skills may earn up to $110,000/year

The average salary for civil engineer professionals continues to rise across Tennessee, mainly in Nashville, thanks to extensive development and infrastructure work.

Top 5 Career Paths for Civil Engineers in Nashville

A civil engineer at a construction site in Nashville

  • BIM Engineer

It is the responsibility of BIM Engineers to build digital models for construction projects through Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD Civil 3D. With such rapid growth in Nashville, these jobs play a key part in successfully adding new transportation and commercial projects with teamwork.

  • Structural Engineer

Engineers in this field design and test how well buildings, bridges, and highways will last and be safe. Nashville’s growing city center relies on police officers for safety and to maintain architectural integrity.

  • Transportation Engineer

As the Nashville Transit Plan is being put in place, transportation engineers are required to build well-planned road and rail systems. What they do matters for safety on the roads, access to public spaces, and planning for the city’s future.

  • Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers are responsible for guaranteeing that infrastructure is made sustainably and according to legal rules for the environment. There, they work on stormwater projects, strive to control pollution, and use environmentally friendly designs for projects.

  • Civil Engineer Designer

A civil engineer designer's salary in Nashville, TN, typically falls in the mid to upper range of the profession. These professionals develop detailed plans for public infrastructure and land development projects using CAD and BIM tools.

Civil Engineer Salaries Across Cities in Tennessee

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Tennessee? Here is a table that compares per yearly wages of civil engineers across the cities of Tennessee.

City

Average Annual Salary

Nashville, TN

$83,540

Knoxville, TN

$80,176

Chattanooga, TN

$81,645

Memphis, TN

$80,969

Clarksville, TN

$79,624

The civil engineer salary in Nashville TN, leads among Tennessee cities, driven by infrastructure demand, population growth, and private investment in construction projects.

6 Factors Affecting Civil Engineering Salaries in Nashville

A surveyor on the streets, like the civil engineers in Nashville

1. Experience and Career Growth

As in most professions, salary correlates strongly with experience. The beginning salary for civil engineers in Nashville is about $66,000, while professionals with over 10 years of experience can earn more than $105,000 annually.

2. Education and Licensure

Engineers with a Master’s degree or PE (Professional Engineer) license typically earn higher wages. Certifications like PMP or LEED also open doors to advanced roles and leadership opportunities.

3. Specialization and Technical Skills

Specialists in BIM, transportation systems, or structural engineering often receive better compensation. These skills are increasingly valued in a city investing heavily in digital construction and infrastructure modernization.

4. Industry Sector and Employer Type

Private sector jobs in consulting, real estate, or design-build firms tend to pay more than public sector roles. However, city and state government positions may offer better job stability and benefits.

5. Geographic Location

While salaries are highest in Nashville, other cities in Tennessee offer competitive packages relative to their cost of living. Understanding regional variations is key to assessing the average salary in civil engineering across the state.

6. Project Size and Scope

Large-scale infrastructure and mixed-use development projects in Nashville often come with higher compensation packages, reflecting their complexity and impact.

Average Salary in Civil Engineering: 5-Year Trends in Nashville, TN

Two civil engineers discussing over the construction site in Nashville.

Over the last five years, the civil engineer salary Nashville TN professionals earn has grown steadily, reflecting Nashville’s urban boom and continued investment in infrastructure.

  • 2019: The median salary stood at $78,280, reflecting consistent demand across road, utility, and structural engineering projects.

  • 2020: Salaries increased by 4.84% to $82,260, driven by early-stage recovery and essential construction continuing through the pandemic.

  • 2021: There was a minor dip of -0.16%, bringing the average to $82,130, due to delayed projects and economic uncertainties.

  • 2022: Salaries rebounded with a 3.25% increase, raising the median pay to $84,890.

  • 2023–2024: Recent data indicates that the average salary for civil engineers in Nashville has stabilized to approximately $82,706, reflecting the city's sustained investment in infrastructure and development projects

This upward trend shows a promising trajectory for those looking to build or advance their careers in Nashville’s growing civil engineering market.

Boost Your Salary as a Civil Engineer by Mastering BIM

In today’s competitive AEC industry, standing out as a civil engineer requires more than just a degree. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming how infrastructure projects are designed and executed. By mastering BIM, you not only stay relevant but also open doors to higher-paying roles and faster career growth.

The BIM Advantage:

  • Civil engineers with BIM skills are very much in demand, earning over 40% more than the rest.
  • Better use of BIM boosts efficiency, makes collaboration far simpler, and helps to achieve superior project results.

How Novatr Helps?

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Novatr Offers BIM Professional Course for civil and structural engineers, Novatr’s comprehensive program helps you gain BIM expertise in just 7 months. This course helps you learn about information modeling, parametric structure families, preparing drawings and presenting your designs. It also covers 3D modeling, BIM principles for infrastructure and 4D/5D visualization.

The main focus of this program is on real skills, which involve using the cloud, streamlining BIM techniques, working together and locating clashes. It enables you to use Revit, as well as over 12 other leading building information modeling programs, while following practical methods. Upon the completion of the course, you will be eligible for recognition from Autodesk and Novatr, which can improve your job prospects.

Key USPs:

  • Get Dual Certification from Autodesk and Novatr
  • Learn Essential BIM Workflows
  • 40+ hours of live learning with lifelong access to program content, including multiple RIBA & ISO 19650 Capstone projects.
  • Mastering Revit and 10+ BIM software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Construction Cloud, Tekla & Civil 3D with industry workflows in just 7 months.
  • 48% Average CTC Hike: Get placement assistance to land BIM jobs in globally operating AEC firms.
  • ISO Verified Project Experience: Practice your skills by working on an international, standard-structured project 
  • Career Guidance and Placement Support: Prepare for success with guided interviews, portfolio building, and LinkedIn optimization.
  • Dedicated Mentor Support: Stay on track throughout with quick query resolution and personalized feedback. Learn from global mentors who are a part of the top 1% AEC companies.
  • Weekly live sessions for learning, revision, and practice.
  • Professionally built in-house digital platform to elevate your learning experience.

Why Choose Novatr? 

  • Trusted by Thousands: Join 6,000+ BIM learners from over 45 countries who have successfully graduated from Novatr.

  • Expert-Driven Curriculum: Designed through the analysis of 1,000+ job descriptions and rigorously vetted by 200+ global BIM experts.

  • Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, showcasing your verified expertise.

  • Proven Career Impact: Learners report an average salary hike of 48% after course completion.

  • Loved by BIM Learners: We have a 4.6+ average rating across platforms like Google and Trustpilot.

In a rapidly evolving industry, Novatr stands out as the premier choice for civil engineers looking to master BIM. Enroll today to future-proof your career and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities in the AEC sector.

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Conclusion

One of the most vibrant cities in the Southeast region, Nashville is a hub of activity for civil engineers. Whether you are researching the starting civil engineer salary Nashville provides or shooting for top positions, the job market is robust. From transportation to digital infrastructure, the need for talented engineers is increasing, particularly those with the latest tools and certifications.

Stay ahead of the game in this competitive industry by upgrading your skill level with Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers. The world-class program is specifically designed to address the requirements of U.S. civil engineers who want to pursue lucrative, technology-based positions.

Find out more at Novatr, or visit our Resource Page for additional tips, guides, and expert advice to enhance your civil engineering profession.

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