Civil Engineer Salary Data
Civil Engineer salaries vary by specialization (site development, transportation, water resources), project scale, and regional infrastructure investment. Public sector positions offer stability, while private sector often provides higher compensation.
National Average Salary
$87,000
Entry Level
$62K - $75K
Mid Level
$75K - $100K
Senior Level
$100K - $130K+
Salary by Location
Compensation varies significantly by geographic region based on cost of living, demand, and local market conditions.
San Francisco, CA
Bay Area
Infrastructure projects and high cost of living drive salaries
Los Angeles, CA
West Coast
Transportation and water infrastructure focus
New York, NY
Northeast
Urban infrastructure and site development projects
Seattle, WA
Pacific Northwest
Growth in transportation and stormwater projects
Dallas, TX
Southwest
Strong land development and transportation sectors
Houston, TX
Southwest
Oil & gas infrastructure and industrial projects
Denver, CO
Mountain West
Infrastructure investment and growth
Miami, FL
Southeast
Coastal development and water management projects
Austin, TX
Southwest
Rapid growth driving site development demand
Chicago, IL
Midwest
Transportation and municipal infrastructure focus
Phoenix, AZ
Southwest
Population growth creating infrastructure needs
Atlanta, GA
Southeast
Land development and transportation projects
Market Insights
PE License Critical
Professional Engineer licensure is essential for advancement and adds 15-25% to earning potential across all experience levels.
Public vs Private Sector
Private sector civil engineers typically earn 10-20% more than public sector counterparts, though government positions offer better benefits.
Transportation Specialty Premium
Civil engineers specializing in transportation or traffic engineering earn 10-15% more due to specialized knowledge requirements.
Water Resources Demand
Water/wastewater engineers command premiums of 12-18% in water-stressed regions with aging infrastructure.
Infrastructure Bill Impact
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is creating upward salary pressure, particularly for transportation and environmental engineers.
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