Average Civil Engineer Salary in Louisiana
Civil Engineers in Louisiana earn an average of $85,866 per year across 1 metro area. This is +10.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$85,866
per year
Hourly Rate
$41.28
per hour
vs National
-10.5%
$95,890 national
Salary Range
$56,003
to $124,464
About Civil Engineer Careers in Louisiana
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.
In Louisiana, civil engineers earn an average of $85,866 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $56,003 for entry-level roles to $124,464 for the most experienced professionals — +10.5% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by 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, and the specific metro area within Louisiana.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$85,866
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$94,358
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Louisiana's cost of living (below average), a Civil Engineer's salary of $85,866 has the purchasing power of $94,358 in an average-cost area.
Civil Engineer Salary by City in Louisiana
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LA | $85,866 | $41.28/hr | $56,003 | $124,464 | 244 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Louisiana vs National Average
Civil Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in Louisiana
There are approximately 244 Civil Engineers employed across 1 metro area in Louisiana.
Key Industries: Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, Shipping & Ports
State Income Tax: 1.85% - 4.25%
Civil Engineer Salary Range in Louisiana
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,003
Starting salary for new Civil Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$85,866
Mid-career Civil Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$124,464
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Louisiana
Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Civil Engineer salaries in Louisiana with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Louisiana Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Louisiana?
The average Civil Engineer salary in Louisiana is $85,866 per year ($41.28/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 10.5% below the national average of $95,890.
What is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Louisiana?
New Orleans, LA is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Louisiana, with a median salary of $85,866 per year.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Louisiana?
Civil Engineer salaries in Louisiana range from $56,003 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $124,464 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $85,866 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Louisiana. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.