Are you weighing your options for a career in civil engineering, or wondering if your current compensation aligns with industry standards?
We have conducted an extensive analysis of 24,511 civil engineering positions across the United States to provide insights into the current job market and salary trends. Our data shows that the average civil engineering salary ranges from $78,230 to $104,153 per year in the United States, with even more variation depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and specialization.
Average Civil Engineer Salary in USA
The median American Civil Engineer salary is $106,050 USD per year or $50.99 USD per hour. This figure provides insight into how much civil engineers make in the United States and serves as a benchmark for civil engineering salaries in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for civil engineers was $99,590 in May 2024, showing our data aligns with recent trends while capturing the upper range of the market.
Salary Range Overview
Factors Influencing Salary
Educational Level
| Education Level | Number of Positions | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 15,774 | 72.03% |
| Master’s Degree | 5,496 | 25.10% |
| PhD | 340 | 1.55% |
| Associate Degree | 228 | 1.04% |
| Certification | 62 | 0.28% |
Civil engineering positions in the United States predominantly require a bachelor’s degree, with over 72% of positions listing this as the minimum requirement. Most roles require at least a bachelor’s degree, making it the standard entry point into the profession. What’s particularly interesting is that a quarter of positions require a master’s degree, suggesting significant opportunities for those willing to invest in advanced education.
Average Salary by Education Level
| Education Level | Average Annual Pay (USD) | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | $163,517 | $78.61 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $162,133 | $77.95 |
| Master’s Degree | $120,082 | $57.73 |
| Certification | $104,001 | $50.00 |
| Associate Degree | $76,004 | $36.54 |
Here’s where it gets interesting—and perhaps counterintuitive. While PhD holders command the highest average salary at $163,517, bachelor’s degree holders earn nearly as much at $162,133, actually surpassing master’s degree holders who average $120,082. This suggests that in civil engineering, practical experience and professional licensure (like the PE license) may matter more than academic credentials alone once you have that fundamental bachelor’s degree.
Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Percentage of Jobs | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 years | 9.81% | 2,076 |
| 1 year | 5.71% | 1,208 |
| 2 years | 10.68% | 2,261 |
| 3 years | 10.42% | 2,205 |
| 4 years | 9.69% | 2,052 |
| 5 years | 19.79% | 4,189 |
| 6 years | 4.47% | 946 |
| 7 years | 4.55% | 963 |
| 8 years | 7.32% | 1,549 |
| 10+ years | 12.34% | 2,611 |
| 12+ years | 1.32% | 280 |
The distribution shows that the sweet spot for hiring is at the 5-year mark, with nearly 20% of all positions targeting this experience level. This represents the transition from junior civil engineer to mid-level professional—when civil engineers have gained enough field experience to work independently while still being cost-effective for employers.
Civil Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Average Annual Pay (USD) |
|---|---|
| 0 years | $79,416 |
| 2 years | $95,792 |
| 3 years | $103,232 |
| 5 years | $114,199 |
| 6 years | $122,195 |
| 7 years | $130,711 |
| 8 years | $131,633 |
| 10 years | $143,389 |
| 12 years | $158,303 |
The data reveals a critical insight: the most significant salary jump (approximately 21%) occurs between years 0 and 2, where Civil Engineer salaries increase from $79,416 to $95,792. This suggests that the first two years are crucial for proving competency and transitioning from trainee to productive team member. After this initial jump, salary growth becomes more gradual but consistent, with another notable increase around the 10-year mark when engineers often move into senior or management positions.
Seniority Level
| Seniority Level | Average Annual Pay (USD) | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Internship | $52,380 | $25.18 |
| Entry-Level | $79,149 | $38.05 |
| Senior | $132,951 | $63.92 |
| Principal | $141,928 | $68.24 |
| Director | $156,975 | $75.47 |
| Executive | $173,971 | $83.64 |
The progression from internship to executive level represents a remarkable 232% increase in compensation. Employment of civil engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations, which means opportunities for advancement should remain strong. The jump from Entry-Level to Senior (68% increase) is particularly noteworthy, as this transition typically happens around the 5-7 year mark and often coincides with obtaining Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Work Arrangement
| Work Arrangement | Average Annual Pay (USD) | Number of Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Remote | $120,388 | 439 |
| Hybrid | $119,915 | 5,972 |
| Onsite | $105,813 | 18,100 |
In an interesting twist, remote and hybrid positions command a 14% premium over onsite roles. While civil engineering traditionally requires site visits and field work, the data suggests that positions offering flexibility are either more senior roles or specialized positions (like design or consulting) that companies are willing to pay extra for. However, with 74% of positions being onsite, the field remains predominantly location-dependent.
Location
| City | State | Average Annual Pay (USD) | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dulles | VA | $360,000 | $173.08 |
| Spring | TX | $260,000 | $125.00 |
| Twin Falls | ID | $237,500 | $114.18 |
| Port Saint Lucie | FL | $228,800 | $110.00 |
| North Haven | CT | $210,600 | $101.25 |
| Laguna Hills | CA | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Springfield | VA | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Highlands Ranch | CO | $189,097 | $90.91 |
| Traverse City | MI | $185,000 | $88.94 |
| North Bergen | NJ | $183,304 | $88.13 |
Washington is the highest paying state for Civil Engineer jobs, with District of Columbia and New York close behind. The dominance of Virginia cities (Dulles and Springfield) in our top-paying locations likely reflects the concentration of federal infrastructure projects and government contracting opportunities. Spring, Texas’s high ranking isn’t surprising given the oil and gas industry’s presence, which typically offers premium compensation for engineering talent.
But what if you’re already at the median? Consider that these top-paying cities often come with significantly higher costs of living. The real question is: what’s your purchasing power after accounting for housing, taxes, and daily expenses?
Top Paying Companies in USA
| Company | Average Annual Pay (USD) | Average Hourly Wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Ramaniyam Real Estate Private | $360,000 | $173.08 |
| The Bergaila Companies | $260,000 | $125.00 |
| Glanbia | $237,500 | $114.18 |
| Caulfield & Wheeler | $228,800 | $110.00 |
| Talisman | $225,000 | $108.17 |
| YA Group | $207,500 | $99.76 |
| SOCOTEC | $202,500 | $97.36 |
| HKA | $202,500 | $97.36 |
| Paragon Forensics | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors | $200,000 | $96.15 |
| Atlas | $194,000 | $93.27 |
| Zephyr Rail | $192,000 | $92.31 |
| Trillium Professional | $190,000 | $91.35 |
| Trident Engineering Associates | $187,200 | $90.00 |
These organizations span diverse sectors from real estate development to forensic engineering, rail infrastructure to international consultancies. The top 5 paying industries for a Civil Engineer in United States are Financial Services with a median total pay of $119,586, Energy, Mining & Utilities with a median total pay of $107,418. The premium salaries at these companies often reflect specialized expertise requirements, project complexity, or working in high-stakes environments where engineering decisions have significant financial or safety implications.
How to Maximize Your Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimize your Civil Engineer salary in the United States:
Education Strategy: Think Strategically, Not Just Academically
While our data shows PhD holders earn top dollar, the minimal difference between bachelor’s and PhD salaries suggests that for most civil engineers, professional development through certifications and licensure offers better ROI than pursuing a doctorate. Focus on obtaining your PE license first—it’s often worth more than a master’s degree in terms of salary impact.
The Critical 2-3 Year Window
The data reveals a crucial career inflection point: the jump from $79,416 to $103,232 between years 0 and 3. During this period:
- Document your project contributions meticulously
- Seek diverse project exposure (design, field work, client interaction)
- Start preparing for the PE exam
- Consider strategic job changes if growth is limited
Key Skills to Develop:
- Technical Competencies: AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, SAP2000, STAAD Pro
- Emerging Technologies: BIM coordination, drone surveying, sustainable design practices
- Software Skills: GIS applications, project management software, cost estimation tools
- Specialized Areas: Seismic design, water resources, transportation planning, environmental remediation
The industry is changing rapidly, driven by technology and sustainability. Stay current with the latest most required Civil Engineering Skills in 2025
Addressing Common Concerns
Dealing with Salary Plateaus
If you’re experiencing a salary plateau around the 7-8 year mark (where our data shows minimal growth), consider:
- Pursuing project management certification (PMP)
- Transitioning to a specialized niche
- Moving into business development or client-facing roles
- Exploring opportunities in different sectors
The Master’s Degree Paradox
Our data shows master’s degree holders earning less than bachelor’s degree holders on average. This counterintuitive finding likely reflects that many pursue graduate degrees early in their careers before gaining valuable experience. If considering a master’s:
- Wait until you have 3-5 years of experience
- Choose programs with strong industry connections
- Consider part-time programs while working
- Focus on specialized areas like structural or environmental engineering
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 24,511 publicly available civil engineering salaries in the USA. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analyzed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was completed in 2025, providing the most up-to-date information on Civil Engineer pay in the United States.
Conclusion
The civil engineering profession offers strong earning potential across the United States, with the median Civil Engineer salary reaching $106,050 annually. While education provides the foundation, our analysis reveals that experience, strategic career moves, and geographic flexibility significantly influence Civil Engineer pay levels.
For civil engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, the path isn’t always linear. Focus on the critical early career years, obtain professional licensure, and don’t overlook the value of specialized expertise over additional degrees. Understanding these salary trends and market dynamics will help you negotiate competitive compensation packages and advance your career effectively.
Remember: behind every data point is a professional making strategic decisions about their career. Use this information not just to benchmark your salary, but to chart a path toward your professional goals. Consider using a salary calculator to get a more personalized estimate based on your specific qualifications and location.
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