How much does a Civil Engineer make?
Civil engineers design and oversee many types of construction projects. Their salaries show this with a wide range. The average yearly salary for a civil engineer is around $95,000. This number changes based on experience, skills, and location. Engineers who have worked longer usually earn more.
Here are some common salaries for civil engineers based on experience. First-year engineers might start at about $41,000. Engineers with more than ten years can make over $166,000. This range means that as civil engineers gain more experience, their salaries often increase. Employers usually reward those with specialized skills and those who have proven themselves over time with higher pay.
What are the highest paying cities for a Civil Engineer?

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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $139,763
In Bakersfield, engineers play a key role in infrastructure projects. They work on water management and transportation systems. Companies like AECOM and Kiewit often hire engineers.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $136,202
Modesto offers chances to work on urban development and construction. Engineers here focus on roads and public works. Firms like HNTB and AECOM provide job opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $124,879
San Jose is a tech hub, and engineers often work on innovative projects. They focus on building smart cities and infrastructure. Firms like Intel and Apple offer many roles.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $121,557
Los Angeles provides a bustling environment for engineers. They work on major projects for transportation and housing. Companies such as Bechtel and AECOM look for skilled engineers.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,764
San Francisco offers a unique opportunity to work on landmark projects. Engineers here focus on sustainability and urban planning. Companies like Transbay Joint Powers Authority often seek engineers.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $117,800
Santa Rosa features a mix of urban and rural projects. Engineers here work on a variety of tasks from water systems to roads. Firms such as Clark & Associates and HNTB are known employers.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $115,228
Sacramento offers opportunities in both state and local projects. Engineers focus on infrastructure and public works. Firms like AECOM and HNTB often hire here.
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Durham, NC
Average Salary: $114,936
Durham provides a vibrant environment for engineers. They work on projects for education and healthcare. Companies like Bechtel and AECOM look for professionals.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $114,804
Seattle offers a diverse range of projects. Engineers work on everything from transit systems to sustainable buildings. Firms like AECOM and Clark & Associates often hire here.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $113,450
Riverside provides a mix of suburban and rural projects. Engineers focus on water management and transportation. Companies like Clark & Associates and AECOM look for skilled professionals.
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What are the best companies a Civil Engineer can work for?

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Techno Consult Inc.
Average Salary: $163,122
Techno Consult Inc. offers exciting opportunities for Civil Engineers. They focus on infrastructure and urban planning. The company operates nationwide, with main offices in California and New York.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $155,510
Toole Design Group is well-known for its innovative civil engineering solutions. They work on projects like roads, bridges, and public spaces. They have offices in various states, including Michigan and Texas.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $152,427
HNTB Corporation provides diverse Civil Engineer roles. They manage major projects, including highways and airports. They operate in over 20 states, with a strong presence in California and Illinois.
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RQ Construction
Average Salary: $146,983
RQ Construction hires Civil Engineers for construction projects. They focus on residential and commercial buildings. Their projects span several states, including Arizona and Florida.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $146,125
Piper Companies offers Civil Engineer positions with a focus on land development. They work on projects across multiple states, including Colorado and Virginia.
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TYlin
Average Salary: $146,118
TYlin provides opportunities for Civil Engineers in infrastructure projects. They have ongoing projects in states like Oregon and Pennsylvania.
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T&M Associates
Average Salary: $141,632
T&M Associates focuses on water resources and environmental projects. They offer Civil Engineer roles in locations including North Carolina and Georgia.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $138,390
Amazon.com employs Civil Engineers for logistics and infrastructure. They have facilities across the country, with significant operations in Washington and New Jersey.
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Interwest Consulting Group
Average Salary: $135,588
Interwest Consulting Group provides Civil Engineer jobs focusing on consulting services. They operate in states such as Utah and Massachusetts.
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City of Seattle
Average Salary: $135,454
The City of Seattle offers Civil Engineer positions for urban development. They are based in Washington state, focusing on infrastructure projects.
How to earn more as a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers have many opportunities to increase their earnings. Starting with an entry-level position, a civil engineer can gain experience and advance to higher-paying roles. Focusing on professional development and gaining specialized skills can lead to significant salary growth. Networking with industry professionals and staying informed about market trends also plays a key role in earning potential.
Here are some factors to consider when looking to earn more as a civil engineer:
- Specialization: Engineers who specialize in high-demand areas like transportation, water resources, or structural engineering often command higher salaries.
- Certifications: Obtaining professional certifications, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, can increase earning potential.
- Experience: Gaining more years of experience leads to higher salary levels. Senior engineers often earn significantly more than entry-level positions.
- Advanced Degrees: Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree can open doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership positions.
- Location: Working in areas with a high demand for civil engineers, such as major cities or regions with large infrastructure projects, often results in higher pay.



