Civil Engineering Salary in 2024
Author: University of North Dakota
February 26, 2024
Explore the world of civil engineering salaries, uncovering insights into factors like education, experience and industry influences.
Request Information
Whether you're an aspiring engineer or already in the field, this guide can help you make informed decisions for a rewarding career in civil engineering.
From buildings and roads to bridges and water systems, civil engineers contribute directly to the development and functionality of communities. Whether you're a student contemplating a future in civil engineering or a professional looking to navigate salary considerations, being informed about the average civil engineering salary and variations within the field will help you assess your earning potential and also guide career decisions and negotiations.
So, continue reading to uncover more insights into the rewarding world of civil engineering and the various factors shaping its financial landscape.
How Much Can You Make as a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers are integral to the planning, design, construction, operation, performance assessment and maintenance of our infrastructure. Their compensation reflects the critical nature of their role. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for civil engineers in the United States is $89,940.
Salaries in civil engineering vary based on factors such as education, experience, professional licensure, skills and geographical location. Those at the top of the profession can earn as much as $138,690, showcasing the high-income potential in this field. On the other end, civil engineers in the lower 10% still earn a respectable $61,040. This salary range highlights the diverse opportunities and financial rewards in civil engineering for individuals with the right qualifications, experience and expertise.
Salaries by Degree Level
Salaries in civil engineering tend to increase with educational achievements. An entry-level civil engineer usually holds a bachelor's degree, laying the groundwork for a solid career start.
However, those who pursue master's or doctoral degrees demonstrate a commitment to mastering the field, often leading to positions with greater responsibilities and higher salaries. Such advanced education equips individuals with a comprehensive skill set, critical for tackling complex engineering challenges and advancing in the profession.
Salaries by Experience
Experience is a key determinant in salary levels, with professionals often witnessing a progressive increase in earnings as they accumulate years of expertise in their respective fields. The correlation between experience and salary is centered on the premise that seasoned professionals bring practical knowledge and skills to their roles, contributing significantly to their organizations.
Entry-level
For civil engineers with less than one year of experience, the average salary stands at $71,221. These individuals are at the beginning of their career journey, focusing on building skills and gaining practical knowledge.
Entry-level positions in civil engineering, while offering comparatively lower salaries, serve as essential stepping stones. They provide invaluable foundational experience and exposure to industry practices. These early career roles enable professionals to develop crucial skills and lay the groundwork for future success in the field.
Mid-level
In the mid-level phase, spanning six to nine years of experience, civil engineers experience a notable and rewarding progression in their careers, reflected in a substantial increase in their average salary, which reaches $122,282.
This stage represents a period of professional maturation where individuals further develop their technical skills and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Moreover, it often involves taking on more complex responsibilities, contributing to their growth as seasoned professionals within the dynamic field of civil engineering.
Senior-level
At this level, professionals with extensive experience command higher salaries and often transition into leadership roles. Some of the highest wages in civil engineering exceed $130,000, reflecting the culmination of a distinguished career marked by expertise, leadership and a profound impact on the industry.
Salaries by Skill
Acquiring specific skills during university education is instrumental in shaping a successful career trajectory in civil engineering. These skills, ranging from technical proficiencies to soft skills such as communication and problem-solving, contribute significantly to professional competence.
Employers often value candidates who bring a specialized skill set, as it can enhance job performance as well as contribute to increased efficiency and innovation within the workplace. Therefore, data indicates that the following skills directly translate into higher salaries:
| Skill | Increase in Salary |
|---|---|
| R | +29.82% |
| Primavera | +21.10% |
| Project Engineering | +18.62% |
| Microsoft Project | +15.53% |
| Project Management | +4.73% |
Salaries by Location
Location significantly influences the salary of civil engineers in the United States. Factors such as the cost of living, demand for skilled professionals and regional economic conditions are crucial in determining compensation levels.
Within the U.S., the following states emerge as offering higher average salaries for civil engineers:
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $119,260 |
| Louisiana | $113,540 |
| California | $113,290 |
| Alaska | $108,970 |
| Colorado | $103,730 |
However, it's essential to recognize that the disparities aren't solely confined to state lines, as significant variations persist within states. Certain areas within states command higher pay due to local demand, project complexity or industry concentration. Notable high-paying areas include:
| Area | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Monroe, LA | $128,400 |
| New Orleans-Metraire, LA | $124,260 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $120,720 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | $120,430 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Arden-Arcade, CA | $120,180 |
| Eastern Oregon nonmetropolitan area | $120,070 |
| Modesto, CA | $115,990 |
| Redding, CA | $115,940 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $115,370 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $114,460 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | $114,210 |
| Hawaii/Kauai nonmetropolitan area | $110,370 |
| Connecticut nonmetropolitan area | $109,510 |
| Alaska nonmetropolitan area | $108,180 |
| Northern New Mexico nonmetropolitan area | $106,390 |
Salaries by Industry
Salaries for civil engineers vary significantly across industries, reflecting the unique demands and opportunities of each sector. The following industry-specific average salaries emphasize how the nature of the work and the organizational context can significantly impact a civil engineer's earnings:
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals | $103,120 |
| Federal Executive Branch | $101,450 |
| Architectural, Engineering and Related Services | $98,060 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals | $91,870 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | $83,560 |
These figures highlight the wide-ranging compensation levels within the civil engineering profession and offer insights into the impact of industry specialization on the earning potential of civil engineers, with each sector valuing and compensating their skills differently.
Conclusion
All in all, civil engineering salaries are significantly influenced by education, experience, location, skill set, professional licensure and industry. Understanding the dynamics that can shape your compensation as a civil engineer is crucial for making informed career decisions. The data-driven insights provided throughout this article aim to empower you to navigate your career path strategically.
Ready to embark on or advance your civil engineering career? Join us at the University of North Dakota (UND) and explore our comprehensive programs tailored for every stage. Whether you're starting fresh with our Civil Engineering B.S. degree, aiming for accelerated growth through our combined B.S./M.S. or M.Eng. program, or reaching the pinnacle of expertise with our Civil Engineering Ph.D. program, UND provides the opportunity to shape your future in civil engineering and unlock the doors to a rewarding career.
FAQs
Factors influencing civil engineering salary include education, experience, geographic location, industry, professional licensure and specialized skills, among others.
The data indicates that the majority of civil engineers work full-time, with some working more than 40 hours per week. However, project demands, deadlines, fieldwork and managerial roles can contribute to variations in daily work hours.
Ensure fair compensation by researching industry standards, comparing your salary with averages, considering the cost of living and assessing benefits. Building a professional network, finding mentors and talking openly with your employer can also help you understand your market value.