Civil engineer salary in the USA is a common search for students, job seekers, and experienced engineers who want to know how much civil engineers really make. In 2025, the median civil engineer salary in the United States was about $100,840 per year, or around $48.48 per hour, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Civil engineer salary can be different depending on state, experience, industry, education, license, and the type of engineering work. Entry level civil engineer salary is normally lower than the pay of an experienced or licensed engineer, while senior civil engineers and engineers working on large infrastructure projects can earn well above the national median. This guide covers civil engineer salary in USA, civil engineer salary per hour, monthly and yearly pay, civil engineer salary by state, starting salary, experience-based pay, and the highest paying states for civil engineers.
📑 Table of Contents
What Is the Average Civil Engineer Salary in the USA?
The civil engineer salary in the USA is around $100,840 per year at the national median level based on May 2025 BLS wage data. This means half of civil engineers earn more than this amount and half earn less. The actual salary can be quite different from one person to another because civil engineering is a large field with many job types.
Some civil engineers work in engineering services, while others work for government agencies, construction companies, transportation departments, utilities, or large infrastructure organizations. Location also matters a lot. A civil engineer working in California, Alaska, Washington, or Massachusetts can have a much different salary than someone working in a lower-paying state.
The national wage range also shows why looking only at one average number can be misleading. The lowest 10 percent of civil engineers earned less than $68,240, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $163,220 in May 2025.
- Median annual civil engineer salary: $100,840
- Median hourly civil engineer salary: $48.48
- 10th percentile annual salary: $68,240
- 90th percentile annual salary: $163,220
- Typical education: Bachelor's degree
- Projected employment growth: 6% from 2025 to 2035
Civil Engineer Salary Per Hour
Many people search for civil engineer salary per hour because hourly pay makes it easier to compare engineering jobs with other careers. The national median hourly wage for civil engineers was about $48.48 in May 2025. This is a median figure, not a guaranteed hourly rate for every engineer.
An entry-level civil engineer may earn considerably less than $48 per hour, while a senior engineer, project engineer, licensed professional engineer, or engineer working in a high-paying location may earn much more. Overtime, bonuses and other compensation can also change the total amount a worker receives.
Civil Engineer Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual salary of $100,840, a simple monthly calculation gives about $8,403 per month before taxes and other deductions. This is only a salary equivalent because most civil engineers are paid on an annual or hourly basis rather than receiving a fixed amount calculated this way every month.
For example, a new civil engineering graduate may start at a much lower yearly salary, while an experienced civil engineer with several years of project and technical experience can move into a higher salary range. Government jobs can also have different pay structures and benefits compared with private engineering companies.
- National median yearly pay: about $100,840
- Approximate monthly equivalent: about $8,403
- Approximate weekly equivalent: about $1,939
- Median hourly wage: about $48.48
Civil Engineer Salary by State
Civil engineer salary by state can change significantly across the United States. Location is one of the most important factors affecting engineering pay. The following table uses May 2025 median annual wage estimates for civil engineers. The figures are useful for comparing states, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed salary offer because individual pay depends on employer, experience, specialty and qualifications.
| State | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $99,010 |
| Alaska | $114,730 |
| Arizona | $89,660 |
| Arkansas | $85,020 |
| California | $122,500 |
| Colorado | $101,420 |
| Connecticut | $103,150 |
| Delaware | $100,220 |
| Florida | $98,570 |
| Georgia | $84,240 |
| Hawaii | $94,280 |
| Idaho | $98,030 |
| Illinois | $99,760 |
| Indiana | $98,270 |
| Iowa | $96,430 |
| Kansas | $96,880 |
| Kentucky | $100,930 |
| Louisiana | $105,380 |
| Maine | $97,820 |
| Maryland | $100,680 |
| Massachusetts | $106,730 |
| Michigan | $92,100 |
| Minnesota | $101,480 |
| Mississippi | $100,170 |
| Missouri | $92,750 |
| Montana | $93,070 |
| Nebraska | $103,150 |
| Nevada | $104,310 |
| New Hampshire | $98,710 |
| New Jersey | $104,660 |
| New Mexico | $103,900 |
| New York | $103,760 |
| North Carolina | $100,730 |
| North Dakota | $98,190 |
| Ohio | $96,220 |
| Oklahoma | $98,760 |
| Oregon | $105,250 |
| Pennsylvania | $97,850 |
| Rhode Island | $99,300 |
| South Carolina | $101,600 |
| South Dakota | $98,700 |
| Tennessee | $95,910 |
| Texas | $96,860 |
| Utah | $96,830 |
| Vermont | $95,600 |
| Virginia | $97,120 |
| Washington | $110,000 |
| West Virginia | $86,930 |
| Wisconsin | $94,600 |
| Wyoming | $90,590 |
Note: State figures above are May 2025 median annual wage estimates for Civil Engineers. Some state wage estimates may differ from annual mean salary figures published in other BLS tables, so this article keeps the median measure consistent for state comparisons.
Highest Paying States for Civil Engineers
The highest paying states for civil engineers are not always the states people may expect. California had the highest reported median salary among the states at about $122,500 per year in the May 2025 data. Alaska was next at about $114,730, followed by Washington at $110,000 and Massachusetts at $106,730.
Louisiana and Oregon also appeared near the top, with median annual wages above $105,000. These numbers show that civil engineering can provide strong earning opportunities in different parts of the country, not only in the biggest technology or business markets.
- California: $122,500
- Alaska: $114,730
- Washington: $110,000
- Massachusetts: $106,730
- Louisiana: $105,380
- Oregon: $105,250
- New Jersey: $104,660
- Nevada: $104,310
Civil Engineer Salary in California
Civil engineer salary in California is among the highest in the United States. The May 2025 median annual wage was about $122,500. California has a very large civil engineering workforce and demand comes from transportation, buildings, water systems, infrastructure, construction and other major projects.
The high salary can be attractive, but engineers should also consider California's higher living costs. A larger salary does not always mean a larger amount of money left after housing, transportation, taxes and other expenses.
Civil Engineer Salary in Alaska
Alaska is another high-paying state for civil engineers. The median civil engineer salary was about $114,730 per year in May 2025. Engineering work in Alaska can involve transportation, public infrastructure, buildings, utilities and projects that have to deal with difficult weather and remote locations.
Because project conditions can be different from other states, experience and technical skills may have an important effect on what an engineer can earn. Engineers should also look at the complete job package, including benefits and location allowances when available.
Civil Engineer Salary in Washington
Civil engineer salary in Washington was about $110,000 at the median in May 2025. Washington has demand for civil engineers across transportation, construction, public infrastructure and engineering services.
Pay can be higher in major metropolitan areas, but the cost of living is also an important part of the picture. Engineers comparing Washington with another state should look at salary together with housing and other living expenses.
Civil Engineer Salary in Massachusetts
Massachusetts had a median civil engineer salary of about $106,730 in the May 2025 data. Civil engineers can find work in engineering services, construction, government projects, transportation and infrastructure-related work.
Experienced engineers may move into project management, design leadership or other senior positions. These roles can provide higher compensation than an entry-level civil engineering position.
Civil Engineer Salary in Louisiana
Louisiana reported a median civil engineer salary of about $105,380 per year. Civil engineering work in the state can be connected with transportation, construction, industrial facilities, water systems and other infrastructure projects.
Louisiana is an interesting example because its civil engineer salary is relatively high while the overall cost of living can be lower than in some of the major high-cost states. That does not mean every engineer will receive the same pay, but location can make the salary more valuable in day-to-day life.
Civil Engineer Salary in Oregon
Civil engineer salary in Oregon was around $105,250 at the median in May 2025. Engineers in the state can work on transportation systems, public infrastructure, buildings, environmental projects and private engineering projects.
As with other states, salary can increase as an engineer gains project experience and takes on more responsibility. Professional licensing can also be important for engineers whose work requires them to offer engineering services directly to the public.
Civil Engineer Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey had a median civil engineer salary of about $104,660 per year. The state has a strong connection with the large New York and Philadelphia regional economies, and civil engineers can work across transportation, infrastructure, construction and engineering services.
The salary should be considered together with the local cost of living. A civil engineer comparing New Jersey with a lower-cost state may see a different real financial benefit even when the listed salary is higher.
Civil Engineer Salary in Nevada
Civil engineers in Nevada had a median annual salary of around $104,310 in May 2025. Construction, transportation, water infrastructure and continued development create different types of work for civil engineering professionals in the state.
Engineers with skills in project planning, structural work, transportation, water resources or construction management may find different opportunities depending on the local market and employer.
Entry Level Civil Engineer Salary
Entry level civil engineer salary is usually lower than the national median because new engineers are still building practical experience. A graduate starting their first civil engineering job may work under senior engineers and learn how projects are designed, reviewed and managed. Starting pay can also be different depending on the city, company, engineering specialty and type of project.
A new civil engineer with a bachelor's degree can generally expect a solid professional salary compared with many other entry-level careers. However, the first few years are often more about gaining technical skills and project experience than reaching the highest possible salary.
- Entry-level civil engineering jobs commonly require a bachelor's degree.
- Starting salary can change significantly by state and metro area.
- Internship or co-op experience can help when applying for the first job.
- Software skills such as AutoCAD and Civil 3D can be useful.
- Experience with construction projects can improve future opportunities.
How Much Does a Civil Engineer Make With 1 to 5 Years of Experience?
How much does a civil engineer make after several years of experience depends on the type of work and responsibility. During the first five years, many engineers move from basic design and calculations into larger project responsibilities. They may start communicating more with contractors, clients, inspectors and other engineers.
Salary normally grows as the engineer becomes more independent. Someone who can manage parts of a project, prepare technical documents, review plans and communicate with clients can have stronger earning potential than someone doing only basic technical tasks.
The exact salary should not be assumed from years of experience alone. Two engineers with five years of experience can have very different salaries if one works in a high-paying state or specialized engineering field while the other works in a lower-paying market.
Senior Civil Engineer Salary
Senior civil engineer salary can be considerably higher than entry-level pay because senior engineers normally take responsibility for complicated projects and may guide junior engineers. Some senior engineers also manage project budgets, schedules, client relationships and technical reviews.
At this stage, professional reputation can become almost as important as technical knowledge. An engineer who has successfully completed large transportation, water, structural, environmental or construction projects may have more opportunities to move into higher-paying positions.
- Senior Project Engineer
- Senior Civil Engineer
- Project Manager
- Design Manager
- Engineering Manager
- Construction Project Manager
- Principal Engineer
Civil Engineer Salary With a PE License
A Professional Engineer, commonly called a PE, can have more career opportunities than an engineer who has not obtained professional licensure. The PE license is regulated by individual states, so requirements can vary. In many cases, engineers complete education, gain relevant experience and pass required examinations before becoming licensed.
A PE license does not automatically guarantee a specific salary. But it can help an engineer qualify for positions involving greater responsibility, public engineering work, project approval and leadership. For some career paths, especially those involving public projects or signing and sealing engineering documents, professional licensure can be very important.
Because licensing rules are handled by state licensing boards, anyone planning a PE career should check the requirements in the state where they want to practice.
Does a Civil Engineer Salary Increase With Experience?
Yes, civil engineer salary often increases as experience grows, although there is no fixed salary increase for every year. Engineers gain value when they develop skills that employers need for larger and more complicated projects.
For example, a young engineer may start by preparing drawings and calculations. After gaining experience, the same engineer may review designs, coordinate with contractors, communicate with clients and eventually manage an entire project.
This change in responsibility can create opportunities for higher compensation. Changing companies can also result in a salary increase, but engineers should compare the complete package instead of looking only at the base salary.
- Technical experience
- Project management skills
- Professional engineering license
- Specialized engineering knowledge
- Leadership and communication skills
- Knowledge of engineering software
- Experience with major infrastructure projects
Civil Engineering Salary by Industry
Civil engineers do not all work for the same type of employer. They can work for engineering companies, construction businesses, government agencies and other organizations involved with infrastructure. Because of this, civil engineering salary can change based on the industry and employer.
Engineering services are an important source of jobs for civil engineers. Construction companies also hire civil engineers for project planning, design coordination, field work and management. Government employers can offer different benefits and retirement packages compared with private companies.
Civil Engineer Salary in Engineering Services
Engineering services can provide a wide range of civil engineering jobs. Engineers may work on transportation, structural design, water resources, environmental projects, land development and other consulting assignments.
Consulting engineers can work on multiple projects instead of staying with one construction project for a long period. This can help them develop broad experience and work with different clients and project teams.
Civil Engineer Salary in Construction
Civil engineers working with construction companies can have responsibilities that are different from engineers working mainly in an office design environment. Construction-focused engineers may spend more time at project sites, coordinate with contractors and monitor whether work follows engineering plans.
Construction experience can become valuable for engineers who later want to move into project management or construction management. Engineers who can understand both technical design and real construction problems can become important members of large project teams.
Civil Engineer Salary in Government
Government civil engineering jobs are another career option in the USA. Civil engineers can work with federal, state, county or city agencies on public infrastructure and other engineering projects.
Government employment can be attractive because compensation is not only about salary. Benefits, retirement programs, paid leave and job stability may also be important when comparing a government position with a private-sector job.
Government engineers can work on roads, bridges, water systems, public buildings, transportation projects and other infrastructure that serves communities.
Civil Engineering Specialties and Salary Potential
Civil engineering is not one single type of job. There are different specialties, and the type of engineering work can affect career opportunities and salary potential.
Structural Engineering
Structural engineers focus on structures such as buildings, bridges and other facilities. Their work involves analyzing loads, materials, safety and structural performance. Structural engineering can be a technical career path for engineers who enjoy mathematics, design and detailed engineering analysis.
Transportation Engineering
Transportation engineers work with roads, highways, traffic systems, airports, rail systems and other transportation infrastructure. The work can include planning, design, traffic analysis and project development.
Environmental Engineering
Environmental-related civil engineering work can involve water quality, wastewater, pollution control and environmental infrastructure. Engineers in this area may work with government agencies, consulting firms and infrastructure organizations.
Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical engineers study soil, rock and ground conditions that affect construction projects. Their work can be important for foundations, highways, bridges, retaining structures and large infrastructure projects.
Water Resources Engineering
Water resources engineers work with water supply, drainage, flood control, dams, stormwater and related infrastructure. Their work becomes especially important in areas dealing with flooding, water shortages and aging infrastructure.
What Factors Affect Civil Engineer Salary?
There is no single salary for every civil engineer. Employers normally consider several factors when deciding compensation. Location is one of the biggest factors, but it is not the only one.
- Experience: Engineers with more relevant project experience can qualify for higher-level positions.
- Education: A bachelor's degree is the normal entry-level education for civil engineers.
- Professional license: A PE license can open additional career opportunities.
- Specialization: Certain technical areas can have stronger demand in particular markets.
- Industry: Government, consulting, construction and other employers can have different compensation structures.
- Location: Salary can vary substantially between states and metropolitan areas.
- Management responsibility: Engineers managing people, budgets and projects may earn more.
How Much Education Does a Civil Engineer Need?
A bachelor's degree is the normal entry-level education for civil engineers. Civil engineering students usually study mathematics, physics, engineering science, design, materials and other technical subjects. The education provides the foundation needed to work on engineering projects after graduation.
BLS data shows that a bachelor's degree is required for the large majority of civil engineering jobs. This makes civil engineering different from some skilled trades where a college degree may not be required.
Education is only the beginning of the career. Practical project experience, internships, engineering software knowledge and professional licensing can all become important later.
Skills That Can Help Increase a Civil Engineer Salary
A civil engineer does not earn more simply by collecting more years of experience. The skills developed during those years can have a major effect on career progression. Employers often need engineers who can solve technical problems and also communicate clearly with project teams.
- AutoCAD and Civil 3D
- Engineering design and analysis
- Project management
- Construction planning
- Cost estimation
- Technical report writing
- Surveying and site knowledge
- GIS and mapping technology
- Communication and team management
- Knowledge of engineering standards and regulations
Is Civil Engineering a Good Career in the USA?
Civil engineering can be a strong career choice for people who enjoy mathematics, construction, infrastructure and solving practical problems. The salary is relatively high compared with the overall U.S. workforce, and the occupation is projected to grow over the next decade.
BLS projects 6 percent employment growth for civil engineers from 2025 to 2035, with about 22,700 openings expected each year on average. Some openings will come from employment growth while many will result from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.
The career also has different paths. An engineer can remain highly technical, move into project management, become a licensed professional engineer, enter construction management or eventually move into engineering leadership.
Civil Engineer Job Outlook in the USA
The civil engineer job outlook is positive according to the latest BLS projections. Infrastructure needs, population growth, transportation requirements and the need to maintain existing facilities can continue creating demand for civil engineering work.
The United States has a large amount of infrastructure that needs maintenance, repair and improvement. Civil engineers are involved in many of these projects, from roads and bridges to water systems and buildings.
The 6 percent projected growth from 2025 to 2035 is faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. BLS also projects around 22,700 civil engineer openings per year during that period.
How Much Can a Civil Engineer Make in the USA?
How much a civil engineer can make depends on where the engineer works and how far they progress in the profession. The national median salary was $100,840 in May 2025, but this number includes engineers at different stages of their careers.
A new graduate normally starts below the national median, while an experienced engineer with strong technical skills, a PE license and project leadership experience can move into much higher salary levels. The highest-paid engineers can earn well above $150,000 depending on their position, location and responsibilities.
So, if someone is asking whether civil engineering can become a six-figure career, the answer is yes. The national median itself is already above $100,000, although reaching that level is not guaranteed immediately after graduation.
Civil Engineer Salary Compared With Other Engineering Careers
When people research civil engineering salary, they often compare it with other engineering careers before choosing a degree. Civil engineering offers a strong salary, but some engineering specialties can have a higher median pay. The right choice depends not only on salary but also on the type of work a person enjoys.
According to BLS, the May 2025 median annual wage for civil engineers was $100,840. This was much higher than the median wage for all occupations, which was $50,980. So civil engineering remains a well-paid professional career in the United States.
- Civil Engineer: $100,840 median annual wage
- Architect: $99,280 median annual wage
- Civil Engineering Technologist or Technician: $64,950 median annual wage
- Construction Manager: $114,990 median annual wage
These figures are useful for a general comparison, but salary should not be the only reason to choose a career. Education requirements, job responsibilities, work environment, licensing and long-term career opportunities also matter.
Can a Civil Engineer Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, civil engineers can make $100,000 or more per year in the United States. In fact, the national median annual wage for civil engineers was already $100,840 in May 2025. But this does not mean every new civil engineering graduate starts at six figures.
It usually takes time to build enough technical and project experience to reach higher salary levels. Location can also make a large difference. An experienced engineer working in a high-paying state may reach six figures sooner than an engineer working in a lower-paying market.
Senior engineers, licensed professional engineers, project engineers and engineering managers can have significantly higher compensation depending on their employer and responsibilities.
What Is the Highest Salary for a Civil Engineer?
There is no single maximum salary for a civil engineer because compensation depends on the position, employer, location and level of responsibility. BLS data gives a useful picture of the upper end of the profession. In May 2025, the highest 10 percent of civil engineers earned more than $163,220 per year.
Some experienced professionals can earn well above that level when they move into leadership, project management, specialized consulting or engineering management positions. Once an engineer moves into an engineering management career, the salary structure can become very different from a traditional civil engineering role.
For example, BLS reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $171,270 for architectural and engineering managers. This is a separate occupation, but it shows one possible career progression for experienced engineers who move into management.
How to Increase Your Civil Engineer Salary
There are several ways a civil engineer can improve earning potential during a career. Getting more experience is one part, but developing a combination of technical and business skills can be more valuable.
- Get a PE license: Professional licensure can qualify engineers for additional responsibilities and career opportunities.
- Develop project management skills: Engineers who can manage schedules, budgets and teams may qualify for higher-level roles.
- Choose a useful specialty: Transportation, structural, geotechnical, water resources and construction engineering can offer different career opportunities.
- Learn modern engineering software: CAD, BIM, Civil 3D, GIS and other technical tools can improve productivity.
- Build field experience: Understanding how projects are actually constructed can be valuable for design and management positions.
- Improve communication: Engineers often work with clients, contractors, government agencies and other professionals.
- Consider changing locations: Moving to a stronger-paying market can sometimes produce a meaningful salary increase.
- Move into management: Project management and engineering management can provide a higher earning path for experienced professionals.
Do Civil Engineers Work in an Office or on Construction Sites?
Civil engineering is a career that can include both office work and field work. Some engineers spend most of their time preparing plans, reviewing designs and working with engineering software. Others spend a significant amount of time visiting construction sites and checking project progress.
BLS says civil engineers commonly work in offices and construction sites. Engineers who direct projects may also work more than 40 hours per week when deadlines or project requirements demand additional time.
This mixed work environment can be attractive to people who do not want a career that is entirely desk-based. At the same time, engineers should understand that construction-site work can involve weather, travel, safety requirements and changing schedules.
Where Do Civil Engineers Work?
Civil engineers work across many parts of the U.S. economy. Engineering services are the largest employer category, but government agencies and construction companies also employ many civil engineers.
According to BLS, engineering services accounted for about 51 percent of civil engineer employment in 2025. State government, local government and nonresidential building construction were also major employers.
- Engineering services
- State government
- Local government
- Nonresidential building construction
- Federal government
- Infrastructure and transportation organizations
- Construction companies
- Environmental and water-related organizations
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Civil engineers are involved in planning, designing, building and maintaining infrastructure. Their work can start before construction begins and continue until a project is completed.
A civil engineer may review maps and survey information, analyze soil and construction materials, prepare cost estimates, create designs, obtain permits and supervise construction work. The exact duties depend on the engineering specialty and employer.
- Design roads and highways
- Work on bridges and transportation infrastructure
- Design water and sewage systems
- Analyze soil and foundation conditions
- Prepare engineering plans and specifications
- Estimate project costs
- Review construction work
- Work with contractors and government agencies
- Use computer-aided design and engineering software
- Help ensure projects meet safety and regulatory requirements
Is Civil Engineering Hard?
Civil engineering can be challenging because it combines mathematics, science, design and real-world problem solving. Students normally study subjects such as mathematics, physics, engineering mechanics and construction systems during a civil engineering degree.
The job itself can also require careful decisions because engineering mistakes can affect the safety, cost and performance of infrastructure. Engineers need to pay attention to technical details while also understanding deadlines, budgets and regulations.
For someone who enjoys technical problem solving and wants to work on buildings, roads, bridges, water systems or other infrastructure, the difficulty can be worth it because the career provides many different directions.
Is a Civil Engineering Degree Worth It?
A civil engineering degree can be worth it for students who want a professional engineering career and are comfortable with mathematics and technical subjects. The national median civil engineer salary was $100,840 in May 2025, which is almost twice the median wage for all U.S. occupations.
The degree also provides several possible career paths. A graduate can work in design, construction, transportation, structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering or water resources. With experience, they can also move into project management or engineering management.
However, students should also consider the cost of college and the time required to complete an engineering degree. A good salary does not automatically mean the degree is financially worthwhile for every person. Tuition, student debt, location and expected starting salary should all be considered.
Civil Engineer Salary and Job Demand
Civil engineer salary is supported by continued demand for infrastructure work in the United States. Roads, bridges, water systems, buildings and other infrastructure need to be designed, maintained, repaired and upgraded.
BLS projects civil engineer employment to grow 6 percent between 2025 and 2035. About 22,700 civil engineering openings are projected each year on average during that period. This includes jobs created by employment growth as well as openings created when workers retire or move into other occupations.
The profession had about 380,600 jobs in 2025, and BLS projects employment to reach approximately 405,100 by 2035.
Future of Civil Engineering in the USA
The future of civil engineering is closely connected with infrastructure investment. The United States continues to need improvements to transportation systems, bridges, water infrastructure, public buildings and other facilities.
Technology is also changing the way engineers work. Modern design software, digital surveying, geographic information systems, building information modeling and other technologies allow engineers to design and manage projects more efficiently.
Artificial intelligence and automation may change some engineering tasks, but civil engineering still requires professional judgment, site understanding, communication and responsibility for real-world infrastructure. Engineers will continue to be needed to make decisions and manage projects where safety and regulations are important.
Civil Engineer Salary: Private Sector vs Government
Choosing between private-sector and government civil engineering jobs can affect both salary and the overall employment package. Private engineering firms may provide opportunities for bonuses, faster career progression and work on different types of projects.
Government jobs can provide strong benefits, retirement programs and greater employment stability. According to BLS May 2025 data, median wages for civil engineers were $117,790 in the federal government, $113,640 in local government and $102,440 in state government.
These figures show that government employment should not automatically be considered a lower-paying option. The best choice depends on the engineer's career goals, location, benefits and desired type of work.
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience: What to Expect
There is no official BLS rule that says a civil engineer will earn a specific salary after one, five or ten years. Salary progression is not the same for everyone. But career responsibility normally increases as engineers gain experience.
A new graduate may spend more time supporting senior engineers and learning company processes. After a few years, the engineer may manage portions of projects. Later, they may become responsible for complete projects, clients, budgets or engineering teams.
This is why career progression can have a bigger effect than simply counting years. An engineer who develops leadership, licensing and specialized technical skills may have more earning opportunities than someone who remains in the same type of entry-level role for many years.
Final Thoughts on Civil Engineer Salary in the USA
Civil engineering remains a strong professional career in the United States. The national median civil engineer salary reached $100,840 in May 2025, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $163,220. Salary can be higher in certain states, industries and senior positions.
The biggest advantage of civil engineering is that it does not lead to only one type of job. Engineers can work with roads, bridges, buildings, water systems, transportation, construction, environmental projects and other infrastructure. They can also move into project management or engineering leadership as their career develops.
For someone planning to enter this profession, the most useful approach is to look beyond the starting salary. Building strong technical skills, gaining practical experience, obtaining a PE license when appropriate and learning how to manage projects can create much better long-term earning opportunities.
Overall, the civil engineer salary in the USA is strong compared with many occupations, and the projected employment growth through 2035 suggests that civil engineering should continue to offer opportunities for qualified professionals.