Are you considering a civil engineering career in Nevada, or looking to benchmark your current compensation?
We have conducted a comprehensive analysis of civil engineering positions across Nevada to provide insights into the civil engineering compensation landscape. This article details Civil Engineer Salary in Nevada and Civil Engineer wages for 2025, exploring how much civil engineers make and the key factors that influence compensation. 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 Nevada
The average civil engineer salary in Nevada is $99,989 per year or $48.07 per hour. Entry level positions start at $80,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to $117,500 per year.
This figure provides insight into how much civil engineers make in Nevada and serves as a benchmark for Civil Engineering salaries in the state. For more detailed information, you can refer to the ASCE salary calculator or the latest ASCE salary report.
Salary Range Overview
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $125,251 and as low as $38,696, the majority of Civil Engineers salaries currently range between $68,700 (25th percentile) to $100,300 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $116,086 annually in Nevada.
Factors Influencing Civil Engineer Pay
Educational Level
The data reveals significant variation in Civil Engineer salaries based on educational attainment:
Civil Engineers with this license earn +6.52% more than the average base salary, which is $81,295 per year.
This highlights the significant value of obtaining professional certification in Nevada’s competitive Civil Engineering market.
Education Requirements Distribution
Civil engineers typically require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or civil engineering technology. Courses in mathematics, design, and science are required as a foundation. A master’s degree or PhD is generally preferred or required for higher level positions.
The majority of Civil Engineer positions in Nevada require a civil engineering degree as the minimum qualification. However, pursuing advanced education or professional certifications can lead to significantly higher compensation packages, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term career growth.
Years of Experience
An entry-level Civil Engineer I with under 1 year experience makes about $71,866. With less than 2 years of relevant work experience, a mid-level Civil Engineer I makes around $72,585. After 2-4 years, the Civil Engineer I pay rises to about $74,213. Those senior Civil Engineer I with 5-8 years of experience earn roughly $74,539, and those Civil Engineer I having 8 years or more experience are expected to earn about $74,756 on average.
What’s surprising about Nevada’s market: Unlike other states where we see dramatic salary jumps at certain experience milestones, Nevada’s Civil Engineer salary progression is more gradual. This suggests a mature, stable market where consistent growth is valued over rapid advancement.
Seniority Level
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $115,566 and as low as $38,681, the majority of Entry Level Civil Engineer salaries currently range between $49,700 (25th percentile) to $84,500 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $106,014 annually in Las Vegas.
The progression from entry-level to lead positions represents a 56% increase in compensation, highlighting the value of developing leadership capabilities and technical expertise in Nevada’s Civil Engineering field.
Location
| City | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Average Hourly Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $79,324 | $38.14 |
| Henderson | $82,500 | $39.66 |
| Reno | $85,200 | $40.96 |
| Sparks | $84,557 | $40.65 |
| Carson City | $78,900 | $37.93 |
The best city in Nevada for Civil Engineers salaries is Sparks with an average annual salary of 370 (0.4%) above the $84,187.
But here’s what the data doesn’t immediately tell you: Another factor to consider is the average salary for these top 10 cities varies very little at 6% between Sparks and North Las Vegas, reinforcing the limited potential for much wage advancement. The possibility of a lower cost of living may be the best factor to use when considering location and salary for a Civil Engineers role.
This means that location arbitrage within Nevada is limited, and career decisions should focus more on company culture, project types, and professional development opportunities rather than chasing marginal salary differences between cities.
Top Paying Companies in Nevada
Nevada’s Civil Engineering market features several industry leaders who consistently offer competitive compensation packages. Here are some of the top employers known for above-average Civil Engineer salaries:
Highest Paying Employers
| Company | Industry Focus | Typical Salary Range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Kimley-Horn | Transportation & Infrastructure | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Jacobs | Water Resources & Environmental | $80,000 – $115,000 |
| Carollo Engineers | Water & Wastewater Treatment | $82,000 – $118,000 |
| T.Y. Lin International | Structural & Bridge Engineering | $80,000 – $138,000 |
| Westinghouse Electric | Nuclear & Industrial | $90,000 – $125,000 |
| Nevada National Security Site | Government/Security | $85,000 – $120,000 |
Carollo Engineers Inc. Performing engineering work in various engineering fields (water and wastewater treatment infrastructure to include pipelines and pump stations, engineering services, construction management). Carollo Engineers is an internationally recognized environmental engineering firm that specializes in the p… … Kimley-Horn’s Las Vegas, Nevada (NV) office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Land Development team!
These organizations span diverse industry sectors including transportation infrastructure, water resources, structural engineering, and government contracting, indicating strong demand for Civil Engineering expertise across multiple industries in Nevada.
How to Maximize Your Civil Engineer Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, here are strategic approaches to optimize your Civil Engineer salary in Nevada:
Education & Certification Strategy
- Pursue Your PE License Early – Civil Engineers with this license earn +6.52% more than the average base salary
- Consider Specialized Certifications – LEED, PMP, and water resources certifications are highly valued
- Advanced Degrees – Master’s degrees can increase earning potential by 15-25%
Career Development Focus
- Specialize in High-Demand Areas – Engineers focusing on stormwater management, BIM, desert infrastructure, or transportation earn more due to high project demand and complexity. Specializing in high-impact sectors helps professionals exceed the average salary of entry level civil engineering job in Las Vegas within a few years.
- Develop Leadership Skills – The jump from senior to lead roles offers the most significant compensation increase
- Embrace Technology – BIM, GIS, and automation skills are increasingly valued
Industry Insights: Why Nevada Pays What It Does
The Infrastructure Boom Effect: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Las Vegas’s metro area population reached approximately 2.95 million in 2025, reflecting a 1.84% increase from the previous year and a 5.8% increase since 2020.
This population growth is driving massive infrastructure investment.
Desert Engineering Premium: Nevada’s unique environmental challenges – from extreme temperatures to water scarcity – require specialized engineering solutions. Environmental regulations and desert preservation make this role vital in Las Vegas. Engineers work on pollution control, green design, and drainage systems.
Gaming Industry Influence: The entertainment and hospitality sector’s complex structural requirements create demand for specialized structural and MEP coordination skills.
In order to get details about civil Engineering Skills, you can chech out the Civil Engineering Skills Required in 2025.
Conclusion
The Civil Engineering profession offers solid earning potential across Nevada, with the average civil engineer salary in Nevada at $99,989 per year or $48.07 per hour. While Nevada may not offer the salary peaks of coastal markets, it provides stable career progression, lower cost of living in many areas, and diverse project opportunities.
For Civil Engineers looking to maximize their earning potential in Nevada, a strategic approach combining technical specialization, professional certification, and understanding of local market dynamics is essential. The state’s continued population growth and infrastructure investment ensure strong demand for skilled Civil Engineers well into the future.
Whether you’re just starting your civil engineering career or looking to advance in the field, Nevada offers a robust job market with competitive compensation. By leveraging resources like the ASCE salary calculator and staying informed about industry trends, you can make informed decisions to optimize your civil engineering compensation in the Silver State.
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