How much does a Civil Designer make?
Civil designers play a key role in shaping our built environment. They create plans for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Their work is essential for the development of communities. The average yearly salary for a civil designer is $83,409. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.
The salary range for civil designers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some designers earn around $53,000 per year. As experience grows, so does the salary. Those with more than a decade of experience can earn upwards of $140,000 annually. Factors like location and industry also play a role. Urban areas and high-tech industries often offer higher salaries. This range shows the potential for growth in this career.
What are the highest paying cities for a Civil Designer?

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Rochester, MN
Average Salary: $119,837
In Rochester, MN, professionals find opportunities with companies like Mayo Clinic. They work on projects that improve the city's infrastructure. The work environment is collaborative and innovative.
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Gainesville, FL
Average Salary: $108,432
Gainesville, FL offers a vibrant job market for civil designers. Companies like UF Health attract skilled professionals. They contribute to projects that enhance the city's public spaces and utilities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $101,119
Seattle, WA is a hub for civil design jobs. Companies like Amazon and Boeing offer exciting opportunities. Designers here work on cutting-edge projects that shape the city's skyline and infrastructure.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $98,296
In Los Angeles, CA, civil designers work with major firms like AECOM. They focus on projects that improve transportation and urban development. The city's diverse landscape offers unique challenges and opportunities.
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New Orleans, LA
Average Salary: $98,290
New Orleans, LA provides a rich environment for civil designers. Companies like Entergy work on projects that enhance the city's resilience. Designers here play a key role in rebuilding and improving infrastructure.
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Knoxville, TN
Average Salary: $95,545
Knoxville, TN offers a supportive community for civil designers. Firms like Bechtel Corporation provide opportunities to work on projects that benefit the city. The work here is both challenging and rewarding.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $93,686
San Diego, CA is a great place for civil designers. Companies like Qualcomm and the City of San Diego offer exciting projects. They focus on improving the city's infrastructure and public spaces.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $93,482
Boston, MA has a strong demand for civil designers. Companies like MassDOT and the City of Boston offer diverse projects. Designers here contribute to the city's historic and modern developments.
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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $93,373
San Antonio, TX offers a dynamic job market for civil designers. Companies like CPS Energy and the City of San Antonio provide opportunities. They work on projects that enhance the city's infrastructure and public services.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $91,745
Houston, TX is a key location for civil designers. Companies like ExxonMobil and the City of Houston offer exciting projects. Designers here focus on improving the city's infrastructure and urban development.
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What are the best companies a Civil Designer can work for?

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Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $154,446
Burns & McDonnell offers exciting opportunities for Civil Designers. They work on projects across the United States, including major cities like Kansas City, Denver, and Seattle. The company values innovation and teamwork.
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Fluor Corp.
Average Salary: $147,119
Fluor Corp. provides Civil Designers with a chance to work on large-scale projects worldwide. Locations include Houston, Dallas, and San Francisco. They focus on delivering quality and safety in every project.
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Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Average Salary: $113,531
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. offers Civil Designers roles in various locations such as Charlotte, Raleigh, and Atlanta. They emphasize professional growth and a collaborative work environment.
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Vestal Corporation
Average Salary: $112,188
Vestal Corporation provides Civil Designers with opportunities in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. They focus on infrastructure projects and offer a supportive work culture.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $106,493
AECOM offers Civil Designers roles in major cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. They work on diverse projects and offer a dynamic work environment.
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TKDA
Average Salary: $106,024
TKDA provides Civil Designers with opportunities in cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston. They focus on innovative design solutions and offer a collaborative work culture.
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Parsons
Average Salary: $101,019
Parsons offers Civil Designers roles in cities such as Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York. They work on a variety of projects and emphasize professional development.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $93,885
CyberCoders provides Civil Designers with opportunities in various locations. They focus on connecting job seekers with top companies and offer a supportive recruitment process.
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LDC inc
Average Salary: $92,262
LDC inc offers Civil Designers roles in cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. They focus on infrastructure and offer a collaborative work environment.
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Randstad
Average Salary: $92,226
Randstad provides Civil Designers with opportunities in various locations. They focus on connecting job seekers with top companies and offer a supportive recruitment process.
How to earn more as a Civil Designer?
A Civil Designer can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized skills and certifications can greatly enhance a designer's value. For example, obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in software like AutoCAD or Revit can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Networking with industry professionals and joining relevant associations can also open doors to better job prospects.
Experience and a strong portfolio also play a significant role in earning potential. Designers who take on challenging projects and demonstrate their ability to deliver high-quality work can command higher salaries. Continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies will keep a designer competitive. Building strong relationships with clients and employers can lead to more job opportunities and potential salary increases. Finally, seeking out roles in high-demand areas or industries can also result in higher earnings.
Here are five factors to consider for earning more as a Civil Designer:
- Obtain specialized skills and certifications.
- Build a strong portfolio with diverse projects.
- Network with industry professionals and join relevant associations.
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
- Seek roles in high-demand areas or industries.