Are you considering a civil engineering career in Nebraska, or looking to benchmark your current compensation against the market?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of 268 civil engineering positions across Nebraska to provide insights into the civil engineering salary landscape. This article details the Civil Engineer Salary in Nebraska, exploring how much civil engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data. We’ll focus on education, career progression, geographical opportunities, and advancement into leadership roles, providing valuable information for both entry-level positions and experienced workers in the field.
Average Civil Engineer Salary in Nebraska
The median Nebraska civil engineering salary is $105,000 USD per year or $50.48 USD per hour. This figure significantly outpaces the national median of $99,590, positioning Nebraska as an increasingly attractive destination for civil engineering professionals. Here’s where it gets interesting – Nebraska has secured $3.2 billion in federal infrastructure investments spread across more than 600 projects, creating unprecedented opportunities for civil engineers in the state.
Salary Range Overview
Factors Influencing Civil Engineer Pay
Educational Level
Average Civil Engineer Salary by Education Level
The education landscape for civil engineering in Nebraska reveals some compelling insights that might surprise you:
Here’s what’s fascinating about Nebraska’s civil engineering market: while master’s degree holders do earn more, the gap is surprisingly modest – just $5,000 annually compared to bachelor’s degree holders. This suggests that obtaining your PE license and staying updated with industry trends might be more valuable for salary advancement than pursuing advanced degrees.
Education Requirements Distribution
Civil engineering positions in Nebraska predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 84% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. The key to maximizing your earning potential lies in obtaining your PE license as soon as possible and getting certifications in your specialized area. A civil engineering degree from an accredited institution is essential for most positions, including those for civil engineering technicians.
Years of Experience
Experience Requirements Distribution
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 9.74% | 19 |
| 1 year | 3.59% | 7 |
| 2 years | 15.90% | 31 |
| 3 years | 9.23% | 18 |
| 4 years | 17.44% | 34 |
| 5 years | 13.85% | 27 |
| 6 years | 8.21% | 16 |
| 8 years | 17.44% | 34 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
The data reveals a steady upward trajectory in civil engineering salaries with experience, though there’s an interesting dip at the 3-year mark. This might reflect the natural career transition period where engineers are moving between junior and intermediate roles. The most significant salary jump occurs around the 6-year mark, where compensation increases to $125,375 – a critical milestone that represents the transition to senior-level expertise. Relevant work experience plays a crucial role in determining engineering salary progression.
Seniority Level
Average Civil Engineer Salary by Seniority
The progression from entry-level to lead represents an impressive 89% increase in compensation, highlighting the significant value that experience and leadership capabilities bring to the civil engineering field. What’s particularly noteworthy is that lead engineers out-earn managers – suggesting that technical expertise and project leadership can be more financially rewarding than pure management roles.
Remote Work
Here’s a trend that might surprise you: remote civil engineering positions in Nebraska command a significant premium:
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Remote | $134,166.70 | 6 |
| Hybrid | $122,347.30 | 63 |
| Onsite | $106,791.40 | 199 |
Remote positions offer a 26% salary premium over onsite roles. While only 6 remote positions were available in our dataset, this reflects the changing landscape where the importance of job location might be at an all-time low in this “your laptop is your office” environment, with engineers in high demand job-hopping to get the best value from their degrees.
Location
Top Nebraska Cities for Civil Engineer Compensation
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha | $118,493.90 | $56.97 |
| Lincoln | $101,967.90 | $49.02 |
| Alliance | $78,000.00 | $37.50 |
Omaha emerges as the clear winner for civil engineering compensation in Nebraska. The city is home to many well-known consulting firms and has great public-sector engineers leading infrastructure projects. With growth from tech companies, there are numerous infrastructure projects beyond typical redevelopment, including a new streetcar system and major airport upgrades.
The $40,493 salary difference between Omaha and Alliance represents a 52% premium for working in Nebraska’s largest metropolitan area. This gap reflects not just cost of living differences, but also the concentration of major infrastructure projects and engineering firms in the Omaha metro area.
Top Paying Companies in Nebraska
Here’s where the rubber meets the road – which companies are actually writing the biggest paychecks for civil engineers in Nebraska:
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| David Evans and Associates | $167,500 | $80.53 |
| Haag, a Salas O’Brien | $147,500 | $70.91 |
| AECOM | $139,936 | $67.28 |
| RailPros | $135,000 | $64.90 |
| Jacobs | $134,500 | $64.67 |
| SEH | $132,333.30 | $63.62 |
| HDR | $122,780.30 | $59.03 |
| TranSystems | $119,857.10 | $57.62 |
| Felsburg Holt & Ullevig | $112,076.90 | $53.88 |
| Olsson | $110,727.50 | $53.24 |
David Evans and Associates leads the pack with an impressive $167,500 average salary – that’s a 60% premium over the state median. These top-tier firms represent diverse specializations from transportation infrastructure to environmental engineering, suggesting that expertise in high-demand areas commands premium compensation.
How to Maximize Your Civil Engineering Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis and current market trends, here are the strategies that will actually move the needle on your compensation:
Target the High-Growth Sectors
With 65% of Nebraska’s $3.2 billion in infrastructure funding going toward transportation projects, specializing in transportation engineering, bridge design, or highway infrastructure positions you in the highest-demand segment of the market.
Geographic Strategy Matters
The Omaha metro area offers the highest salaries, but don’t overlook the total compensation picture. Omaha provides excellent schools, reasonable housing, friendly neighborhoods, and entertainment options that blend small-town friendliness with big-city benefits.
Explore our detailed article on the Civil Engineering Skills Required in 2025
Conclusion
The civil engineering profession in Nebraska offers exceptional earning potential, with the median civil engineering salary reaching $105,000 USD annually – well above the national average. The job outlook remains favorable, with aging infrastructure ensuring continued demand for civil engineers to manage bridge repairs, road improvements, water system upgrades, and renewable energy projects.
For civil engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, Nebraska presents a unique opportunity: significant infrastructure investment, reasonable cost of living, and a growing demand for specialized skills. The combination of federal funding, growing tech sector presence, and ongoing infrastructure needs creates a perfect storm for career growth in civil engineering.
The data tells a clear story – this is an opportune time to be a civil engineer in Nebraska. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to make a strategic move, understanding these salary trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your civil engineering career effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
