How much does a Civil Engineer make?
Civil engineers play a key role in shaping our world. They design and oversee construction for projects like roads, bridges, and dams. Their work often starts with planning and ends with management of construction sites. Thanks to their crucial role, they earn a strong salary. The average yearly salary for a civil engineer is $95,749.
Civil engineers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and specialization. Junior engineers might start at around $41,000. As they gain more experience, their earnings can grow significantly. Senior engineers with advanced skills and specialized knowledge can earn up to $175,000 or more. This progression shows that dedication and continuous learning can lead to substantial rewards in this field.
What are the highest paying cities for a Civil Engineer?

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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $135,716
Bakersfield offers many chances for civil engineers. Kern County and local businesses have growth plans that need strong infrastructure. The Kern County Public Works Department and major contractors like Clark & Sutherland lead the way.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $132,419
In Modesto, civil engineers can make big impacts. The city's focus on growth brings a lot of projects. Companies like County of Stanislaus are hiring engineers to work on these projects.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $123,781
San Jose has many jobs for civil engineers. Silicon Valley's growth needs infrastructure improvements. Major firms such as AECOM and AECOM Tech Corp. offer exciting opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $122,064
Los Angeles offers a bustling environment for civil engineers. The city is always growing and improving. Companies like Bechtel Corporation and AECOM Tech Corp. have many job openings.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,686
San Francisco provides an exciting place for civil engineers. The city's infrastructure projects are always in need of skilled engineers. Firms such as AECOM Tech Corp. and Bechtel Corporation lead the way in this field.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $115,613
Santa Rosa offers a balanced lifestyle for civil engineers. The city is growing steadily. Local companies like AECOM Tech Corp. are looking for talented engineers to join their teams.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $113,513
Riverside has many chances for civil engineers. The city’s growth needs strong infrastructure. Companies like AECOM Tech Corp. and Clark & Sutherland offer rewarding career opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $112,770
Sacramento provides a mix of city and rural opportunities for civil engineers. The state government and local companies need skilled engineers. Firms like AECOM Tech Corp. and Clark & Sutherland offer many job openings.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $112,616
Seattle offers a vibrant environment for civil engineers. The city’s focus on sustainability brings many projects. Companies like AECOM and AECOM Tech Corp. are hiring skilled engineers.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $112,541
Fresno provides many opportunities for civil engineers. The city’s growth needs strong infrastructure. Companies like AECOM Tech Corp. and Clark & Sutherland offer many job openings.
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What are the best companies a Civil Engineer can work for?

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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $231,058
Palo Alto Networks offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on network security. They operate globally and look for engineers to work on infrastructure projects. Locations include California, Nevada, and Washington.
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Techno Consult Inc.
Average Salary: $162,908
Techno Consult Inc. provides Civil Engineer positions that emphasize sustainable infrastructure. They work on projects in urban areas in California and New York.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $154,392
Toole Design Group is known for its Civil Engineer roles in transportation and infrastructure design. They have offices in the Midwest and West Coast, including locations in Denver and San Francisco.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $146,439
HNTB Corporation offers Civil Engineer jobs focusing on transportation and water resources. They operate nationwide with a strong presence in Texas and California.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $146,125
Piper Companies provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on water resources and environmental projects. They work on sites in Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
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RQ Construction
Average Salary: $144,808
RQ Construction offers Civil Engineer roles in infrastructure and construction projects. They operate in the Pacific Northwest, with offices in Oregon and Washington.
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Interwest Consulting Group
Average Salary: $141,765
Interwest Consulting Group provides Civil Engineer jobs in various infrastructure projects. They work across the West Coast, including offices in Utah and Nevada.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $138,123
Amazon.com offers Civil Engineer positions focusing on logistics and warehouse infrastructure. They have facilities across the United States, including in Seattle and New York.
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TYlin
Average Salary: $134,561
TYlin provides Civil Engineer roles in transportation and infrastructure. They work on projects in the Midwest, with offices in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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City of Seattle
Average Salary: $134,272
The City of Seattle offers Civil Engineer positions in public infrastructure and services. They operate in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on city projects in Washington.
How to earn more as a Civil Engineer?
A Civil Engineer can take several steps to increase earnings. Gaining experience is key. Working on diverse projects allows engineers to build a broad skill set. Networking with other professionals helps uncover high-paying opportunities. Specializing in a niche can also attract higher salaries.
Education and certifications boost earning potential. Advanced degrees and licenses open doors to senior roles. Continuous learning keeps skills sharp and up-to-date. Employers often value certified engineers for their expertise. Below are five factors that can lead to higher earnings:
- Gain experience: Work on many projects to build skills.
- Network: Connect with other engineers for job leads.
- Specialize: Focus on a specific area to stand out.
- Get advanced degrees: Earn higher qualifications for better roles.
- Obtain certifications: Get licensed to attract top jobs.



