Civil Engineers Salary in United States
Civil Engineers pay snapshot in United States
Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise infrastructure projects ranging from transportation to water systems. They blend technical modeling with field coordination to deliver safe, resilient structures.
Core responsibilities
- Develop project proposals, feasibility studies, and cost estimates
- Produce detailed designs, specifications, and technical drawings
- Ensure compliance with building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards
- Supervise construction activities, contractors, and quality inspections
Core skills
- Structural analysis, hydraulics, or geotechnical knowledge
- CAD/BIM tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Revit
- Project management and stakeholder communication
- Site inspection and risk mitigation
Median (USD)
$99,590
Annual gross compensation reference point
Median (USD)
$99,590
Converted using the latest available exchange rate
Global benchmark (USD)
$99,590
Published source: U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Civil Engineers
Salary Breakdown
Annual compensation converted into monthly, weekly, and hourly estimates for quick planning.
USD compensation
- Annual
- $99,590
- Monthly
- $8,299
- Weekly
- $1,915
- Hourly
- $47.88
USD compensation
- Annual
- $99,590
- Monthly
- $8,299
- Weekly
- $1,915
- Hourly
- $47.88
Experience tiers
Estimated salary ranges by career stage using local benchmarks (USD). Align your expectations with responsibilities and progression focus.
Graduate Civil Engineer
Supports calculations, drafting, and site visits under supervision
Typical experience: 0-3 years
Next focus: Complete FE exam, rotate across specialties, and learn project documentation
Estimated annual pay (local)
$75,688
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$75,688
Project Civil Engineer
Owns portions of design, coordinates consultants, and manages permitting
Typical experience: 4-8 years
Next focus: Obtain PE licensure, manage budgets, and develop client relationships
Estimated annual pay (local)
$99,590
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$99,590
Senior / Principal Engineer
Leads complex infrastructure programs, oversees teams, and ensures regulatory compliance
Typical experience: 9+ years
Next focus: Guide strategic proposals, cultivate business development, and mentor new engineers
Estimated annual pay (local)
$123,492
Estimated annual pay (USD)
$123,492
Career Progression Checkpoints
- Graduate or junior engineer supporting design calculations
- Project engineer coordinating design packages and field reviews
- Senior engineer or project manager leading multidisciplinary teams
- Engineering manager, principal engineer, or infrastructure director
Next: Calculate Take-Home Pay
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What Influences Pay?
Employers weigh industry context, location, and proven expertise. Use these levers to position your value when negotiating compensation.
Public vs. private sector
Private consulting firms and design-build contractors often outpay government agencies but may require longer hours.
Licensure status
PE licensure is a key differentiator for leadership roles and higher salary tiers.
Project scale and complexity
Transportation megaprojects or resilience-focused initiatives demand premiums for specialized expertise.
Geographic demand
Urban development and climate adaptation projects in fast-growing regions elevate compensation.
Credentials That Stand Out
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) / Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Project Management Professional (PMP) for engineering managers
- LEED accreditation or equivalent sustainability credentials
Skill Upgrades Employers Reward
- Structural analysis, hydraulics, or geotechnical knowledge
- CAD/BIM tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or Revit
- Project management and stakeholder communication
- Site inspection and risk mitigation
- Regulatory and permitting expertise
Next Steps and Tools
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Open toolCivil Engineers Salary FAQs in United States
Concise answers to the questions candidates and hiring teams ask most often when benchmarking compensation.
How long does it take to reach PE licensure?
Most engineers achieve licensure after four years of supervised experience and passing the PE exam, which typically increases earning potential.
Do civil engineers earn bonuses?
Bonuses depend on employer type; consulting firms often offer profit-sharing tied to project performance.
Can civil engineers work remotely?
Design and coordination tasks can be remote, but site inspections and stakeholder meetings still require travel.
How We Estimate Salaries
Figures blend public labor statistics with market calibration for United States. Median pay for civil engineers professionals anchors the model, while quartiles and experience multipliers show typical ranges rather than exact offers.
- Benchmark year:Data reflects 2024 reporting where available and will be reviewed annually.
- Primary source:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Civil Engineers
- Global context:U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Civil Engineers
- Country adjustment factor:1 (baseline 2024) from U.S. BLS OOH 2024 — Civil Engineers
Use this guide as a starting point. Company size, equity grants, benefits, and negotiation timing can shift compensation. Refresh the numbers yearly or alongside significant market changes.