Civil Engineer Salary in 2026
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and water systems. They ensure structures meet safety and regulatory standards.
Median Salary
$100,840
$8,403/mo
Entry Level
$71,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$132,900
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Civil Engineers (SOC 17-2051) at a national median of $100,840 per year (mean $108,670), or $48.48 per hour, with 367,840 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Civil Engineer Overview
Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and water systems. They ensure structures meet safety and regulatory standards.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
1-4 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
368K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$48.48/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,403
Civil Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Civil Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Civil Engineer Salary
$112,000
$9,333/month · $4,308/biweekly · $53.85/hr
Civil Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Civil Engineer field.
Entry-level Civil Engineers earn around $71,000, while the top 10% earn $148,950 or more.
Top Paying States for Civil Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $119,000 | +$18,160 |
| New York | $116,000 | +$15,160 |
| Pennsylvania | $101,000 | +$160 |
| Texas | $99,000 | $-1,840 |
| Florida | $99,000 | $-1,840 |
Top Paying Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los AngelesBLS metro | $108,640 | +$7,800 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $107,330 | +$6,490 |
| HoustonBLS metro | $100,950 | +$110 |
| PhiladelphiaBLS metro | $99,410 | $-1,430 |
| MiamiBLS metro | $83,750 | $-17,090 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Civil Engineers in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Civil Engineer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Civil Engineer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Civil Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Civil Engineer from entry level to expert.
$71,000
0-2 years
$102,000
3-7 years
$132,900
8-14 years
$165,000
15+ years
Related Engineering Jobs
Civil Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Civil Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $100,840 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Civil Engineers (SOC 17-2051); the mean is $108,670. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $71,000, senior professionals around $132,900, and top earners at $165,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Civil Engineer?
A Civil Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 1-4 years of experience. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management. Relevant certifications such as PE License or FE Exam can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Civil Engineers?
The job market for Civil Engineers is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 368K Civil Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Civil Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Civil Engineers include Texas, California, Florida. In Texas, the median salary is approximately $99,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Civil Engineer salary?
To increase your Civil Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like AutoCAD and Structural Analysis. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 1-4 years of experience, you can progress from $71,000 to $132,900 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Civil Engineer Salary
How we calculate Civil Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Civil Engineers (SOC 17-2051), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $100,840, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Civil Engineers; BLS mean $108,670; BLS hourly median $48.48.
- Entry-level ($71,000) and senior-level ($132,900) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 367,840 Civil Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $100,840; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Civil Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Civil Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Civil Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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