Civil Engineer Salary
Average Salary of a Civil Engineer in the USA (2025)
Civil engineers are the builders of our modern world. They design and build roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems that millions of people use every day.
These experts handle projects of all sizes. They work on small local projects and large infrastructure, like airports and dams. Civil Engineers make sure our cities are safe, functional, and well-planned for the future.
In 2025, knowing Civil Engineers' earnings is key for anyone thinking about this rewarding career. The construction and infrastructure industry is growing. America is rebuilding and modernizing its old systems. Civil engineers have good job security. They also feel proud to create lasting structures that help society for many years.
This blog shows what civil engineers earn in America today. We'll talk about starting salaries, pay for experienced workers, and what affects earnings. You'll discover pay differences among engineering specialties. Find out which states pay the best. Plus, get practical tips to increase your income as a civil engineer.
We'll cover civil engineer pay, including bonuses, experience, and certifications. This guide provides real numbers to help you understand your worth.
What's the Average Salary of a Civil Engineer in the USA?
$88,737 per year (Average)
We calculated this average from multiple trusted salary platforms and government sources. PayScale reports $78,230 for Civil Engineer I positions. Glassdoor shows $104,153. Indeed lists $94,499.
Talent.com indicates $124,111, while Salary.com shows $74,129. US News reports that Civil Engineers earned an average salary of $101,160 in 2023.
The average salary for civil engineers is now $80,000 a year. This increase is due to high demand for infrastructure development and the need to repair aging systems in America.
Civil Engineer Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: Civil engineers make about $88,737 a year. This figure comes from various salary surveys and government data in the USA. This figure represents the midpoint across all experience levels and specializations.
Salary range: Government data shows that entry-level jobs pay between $60,619 and $87,938. Experienced workers can earn much higher amounts. The wide range highlights the gap between junior roles and senior engineering jobs that involve management tasks.
Salary by experience: Many USA data sources say entry-level Civil Engineers earn about $74,339 to $90,995 each year.
The average for these positions is $73,801. Mid-career professionals usually earn between $85,000 and $110,000. Senior engineers with over 10 years of experience can earn $120,000 to $150,000 or more. This varies by specialization and location.
75th percentile: Government stats show that Civil Engineers in the top 25% earn much more than average.
This is especially true for those in specialized areas like structural or transportation engineering. Senior positions in major metropolitan areas often exceed $130,000 annually.
Civil Engineer Salary Regional Comparison
Civil Engineer salaries differ by state. This is due to local construction, the cost of living, and infrastructure spending. Some areas face shortages and offer high rates to attract professionals. Washington pays the most, while Florida pays the least.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Data collected from many USA salary surveys and government labor statistics for 2025.
West Coast states provide the best pay for civil engineers. This is due to big infrastructure projects and a higher cost of living. But when you think about living costs, some smaller markets might be better for engineers.
7 Tips to Grow Your Civil Engineer Salary
1. Earn a Professional Engineering (PE) License: Get your PE license to unlock higher-paying senior positions and project leadership roles. Licensed Professional Engineers make 15-25% more than unlicensed engineers, based on global salary surveys. They also have the authority to sign off on engineering designs.
2. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on transportation, structural, environmental, or geotechnical engineering. Many USA data sources indicate that specialized Civil Engineers earn 20-30% more than general practitioners, especially in growing fields like sustainable design.
3. Pursue Advanced Degrees and Certifications: Earn an MBA or specialized engineering master's degree. Government stats reveal that Civil Engineers with advanced degrees make 25-40% more than those with bachelor's degrees. This is especially true in management and consulting jobs.
4. Develop Project Management Skills: Master project management methodologies and earn PMP certification. International salary surveys show that Civil Engineers with strong project management skills earn 20% to 35% more. They also move into leadership roles more quickly.
5. Gain Experience with Major Infrastructure Projects: Work on large-scale projects like highways, airports, or transit systems. Engineers with major project experience earn higher salaries, according to USA salary reports. Top firms highly seek these skilled professionals.
6. Consider Moving to High-Paying Markets: Relocate to states like Washington, California, or Alaska for better compensation. Many global salary surveys show that moving for a job can boost earnings by 20-50%. This is true even when you factor in the cost of living.
7. Build Expertise in Emerging Technologies: Learn about sustainable design, smart infrastructure, and BIM (Building Information Modeling). Data from many USA sources show that Civil Engineers with tech skills earn 15-30% more. This is due to the industry's modernization.
FAQs About Civil Engineering Salaries
What is the starting salary of a civil engineer in the USA?
Entry-level Civil Engineers usually earn between $73,801 and $74,339 a year. Some sources even report salaries as high as $90,995 for these positions. New graduates with internship experience often start at the higher end of this range.
How much does experience affect a civil engineer's salary?
Experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level engineers earn about $74,000. Mid-career professionals make between $85,000 and $110,000. Senior engineers with over 15 years of experience can earn $120,000 to $150,000 or more. Each year of experience typically adds 3-5% to base salary.
Do civil engineering salaries include bonuses and benefits?
Base salary usually does not include performance bonuses. These bonuses can increase annual pay by 5-15%. Most engineering firms provide solid benefits. These include health insurance, retirement plans, and funding for professional development. This funding ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 each year.
Is the civil engineer's salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual income before taxes. Your take-home pay will drop once federal, state, and local taxes are taken out of your paycheck.
What specializations pay civil engineers the highest salaries?
Structural engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering typically offer the highest compensation. Fields like earthquake engineering, bridge design, and water resources can boost base salaries by 20-40%, based on government data.
How does a civil engineer's pay compare to other engineering fields?
Civil Engineers made $101,160. Petroleum Engineers earned $148,590. Environmental Engineers received $105,840, while Mechanical Engineers made $105,220. Civil engineering offers competitive compensation within the broader engineering field.
Which employers pay civil engineers the highest salaries?
Large consulting firms, government agencies, and oil/gas companies typically pay the most. Federal jobs usually provide great benefits and job security. In contrast, private consulting firms might pay higher base salaries and offer performance bonuses.
Do civil engineers get paid more working for the government or private companies?
Private consulting firms usually pay 10-20% more in base salary. However, government jobs often provide better benefits, job security, and a healthier work-life balance. Total compensation packages are often comparable when benefits are included.
How often do civil engineer salaries increase?
Most civil engineers receive annual raises of 3-7% through performance reviews. Moving up to a senior engineer or project manager role typically results in a salary increase of 15-25%. On the other hand, switching companies can result in a 10-20% pay bump.
What factors affect a civil engineer's salary the most?
Earnings are most affected by these factors:
Location
Experience level
PE license status
Specialization
Location can affect salaries by 30-50%. Obtaining a PE license and possessing specialized skills can significantly enhance your earning potential.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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