Average Civil Engineer Salary: $96,380 (2026)
2026 DataCompare civil engineer salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $81,234 to $133,493.
Highest Paying Cities for Civil Engineers
Average Salary
$96,380
across all locations
Highest Paying
$133,493
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Civil Engineers
See which cities pay Civil Engineers the most, from $133,493 down to the #10 spot.
Civil Engineer Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($95,890)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Jose, CA | $133,493 |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $129,730 |
| #3 | Seattle, WA | $119,357 |
| #4 | New York, NY | $118,321 |
| #5 | Washington, DC | $113,496 |
| #6 | Los Angeles, CA | $109,891 |
| #7 | Boston, MA | $109,851 |
| #8 | San Diego, CA | $104,101 |
| #9 | Austin, TX | $103,559 |
| #10 | Denver, CO | $101,877 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $62,477 | $30.04/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $96,380 | $46.34/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $139,811 | $67.22/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$33,903
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$43,430
+45%
Total Career Growth
+$77,333
+124%
Civil Engineer Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $133,493 | $64.18 | 307 |
| San Francisco, CA | $129,730 | $62.37 | 435 |
| Seattle, WA | $119,357 | $57.38 | 388 |
| New York, NY | $118,321 | $56.89 | 625 |
| Washington, DC | $113,496 | $54.57 | 439 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $109,891 | $52.83 | 457 |
| Boston, MA | $109,851 | $52.81 | 314 |
| San Diego, CA | $104,101 | $50.05 | 295 |
| Austin, TX | $103,559 | $49.79 | 293 |
| Denver, CO | $101,877 | $48.98 | 248 |
| Chicago, IL | $100,897 | $48.51 | 339 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $100,731 | $48.43 | 325 |
| Baltimore, MD | $100,722 | $48.42 | 280 |
| Miami, FL | $100,433 | $48.29 | 269 |
| Portland, OR | $99,708 | $47.94 | 282 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $99,209 | $47.70 | 255 |
| Sacramento, CA | $99,005 | $47.60 | 283 |
| Riverside, CA | $97,323 | $46.79 | 321 |
| Atlanta, GA | $96,471 | $46.38 | 313 |
| Dallas, TX | $96,318 | $46.31 | 301 |
| Raleigh, NC | $96,285 | $46.29 | 257 |
| Hartford, CT | $96,018 | $46.16 | 301 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $95,257 | $45.80 | 314 |
| Providence, RI | $95,034 | $45.69 | 272 |
| Houston, TX | $94,302 | $45.34 | 363 |
| Charlotte, NC | $94,155 | $45.27 | 290 |
| Richmond, VA | $93,392 | $44.90 | 265 |
| Tampa, FL | $93,234 | $44.82 | 240 |
| Cleveland, OH | $92,397 | $44.42 | 257 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $92,259 | $44.36 | 251 |
| Nashville, TN | $91,448 | $43.97 | 248 |
| St. Louis, MO | $90,435 | $43.48 | 242 |
| Detroit, MI | $90,385 | $43.45 | 297 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $90,210 | $43.37 | 278 |
| Orlando, FL | $89,933 | $43.24 | 250 |
| Columbus, OH | $88,542 | $42.57 | 259 |
| Kansas City, MO | $88,091 | $42.35 | 306 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $87,919 | $42.27 | 322 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $87,545 | $42.09 | 257 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $87,342 | $41.99 | 315 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $87,043 | $41.85 | 289 |
| Tucson, AZ | $86,678 | $41.67 | 245 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $86,593 | $41.63 | 264 |
| New Orleans, LA | $85,866 | $41.28 | 244 |
| San Antonio, TX | $85,705 | $41.20 | 298 |
| Louisville, KY | $85,221 | $40.97 | 305 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $84,873 | $40.80 | 267 |
| Memphis, TN | $84,852 | $40.79 | 293 |
| El Paso, TX | $82,272 | $39.55 | 291 |
| Birmingham, AL | $81,234 | $39.05 | 254 |
About Civil Engineer Careers
Civil engineers design, build, supervise, and maintain infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, water systems, and buildings. They are the backbone of the built environment, combining principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve complex structural and environmental challenges. Civil engineering encompasses many sub-disciplines — structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction management — each with distinct salary dynamics. The national median annual salary is approximately $95,890, with specialized roles in transportation and energy infrastructure reaching $130,000 and above.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average civil engineer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $96,380 per year. Salaries range from $81,234 in Birmingham, AL to $133,493 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 15,103 professionals employed as civil engineers across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Civil Engineers perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Analyze survey reports, maps, and data to plan and design projects
- Perform or supervise soil testing and geological analyses for site feasibility
- Prepare engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates using AutoCAD and BIM software
- Manage and oversee construction activities to ensure compliance with design and safety standards
- Test building materials such as concrete, asphalt, and steel for quality assurance
- Apply for permits and ensure projects meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements
- Evaluate the environmental impact of proposed projects and design mitigation measures
- Coordinate with architects, contractors, government officials, and other engineers throughout project lifecycle
Education Requirements
Civil engineers need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related specialty. Many advance their careers by earning a master's degree in a specialty area such as structural, transportation, or environmental engineering. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) is required for civil engineers who offer services to the public. The PE pathway begins with the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, typically taken after graduation, followed by 4 years of progressive work experience and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. PE licensure is often required for senior design roles, government positions, and project signing authority.
Key Skills for Civil Engineers
Factors That Affect Civil Engineer Salary
Several factors influence how much a civil engineer earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Civil engineers typically begin in design or field engineering roles, progressing from EIT (Engineer-in-Training) to PE-licensed engineer to senior or project engineer. Career paths diverge into technical tracks (principal engineer, senior structural/transportation specialist) or management tracks (project manager, department manager, division VP). Many civil engineers advance to program management, government director roles, or start their own consulting firms. Academic and research paths are available for those pursuing graduate education.
Job Outlook
Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow faster than average through 2032, driven by federal infrastructure investment (IIJA), aging water and transportation systems, and population-driven construction demand. Civil engineers with expertise in climate resilience, green infrastructure, and sustainable design will have a strong competitive advantage as municipalities and agencies modernize infrastructure for the 21st century.
Work Environment
Civil engineers split their time between office work — designing, modeling, and managing project documentation — and field work on construction sites, where they inspect work and ensure it meets specifications. Government engineers often work predictable hours, while those in private consulting may work extended hours to meet project deadlines. Field assignments can involve outdoor work in variable weather conditions. Travel to project sites is common, particularly for transportation and infrastructure specialists.
Career Prospects for Civil Engineers
The job market for civil engineers continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 15,103 civil engineers employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Civil Engineers
Salary for civil engineers varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Jose, CA, offers a median salary of $133,493, while the lowest in our data, Birmingham, AL, pays approximately $81,234. This represents a salary difference of $52,259 (64% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ civil engineers often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Civil Engineers
Career advancement for civil engineers typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level civil engineers can expect to progress from starting salaries around $54,871to the median salary of $96,380 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $194,417 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Civil Engineer Salaries
The average civil engineer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $96,380 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $81,234 in Birmingham, AL to $133,493 in San Jose, CA.
The average hourly rate for civil engineers is $46.34 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $39.05/hour in lower-paying areas to $64.18/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.
San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for civil engineers, with a median salary of $133,493 per year. This is 39% above the national average of $96,380. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level civil engineers (10th percentile) typically earn around $62,477 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $96,380 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average civil engineer salary of $96,380 is 63% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $139,811 or more annually.
Birmingham, AL has the lowest civil engineer salary at $81,234 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $52,259.
There are approximately 15,103 civil engineers employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a moderate-sized job market with opportunities in engineering industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting civil engineer salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $52,259 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, PE licensure — engineers with a PE license earn significantly more and qualify for senior roles, Specialization — structural and transportation engineers in high-demand markets earn premiums. Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost civil engineer salaries include: Proficiency in CAD and engineering software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, SAP2000, MicroStation), Strong mathematics — differential equations, linear algebra, structural analysis, Understanding of construction methods, materials, and project management, Knowledge of building codes, ASCE standards, and environmental regulations, GIS and geospatial analysis for site and transportation planning. PE licensure — engineers with a PE license earn significantly more and qualify for senior roles Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($118,839).
Civil Engineer salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $96,380 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Civil Engineer Salary by State
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