How much does a Civil Engineer make?
Civil engineers play a key role in building and maintaining our infrastructure. They design and oversee projects like roads, bridges, and buildings. Their work is vital for our communities. The average yearly salary for a civil engineer is around $95,479. This number can change based on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on.
Civil engineers can earn different amounts based on their level of experience. Entry-level engineers might start at around $42,500. With more experience, salaries can rise significantly. Engineers with over 10 years in the field can earn up to $170,000 a year. This shows that there are good opportunities for growth in this career. A civil engineer's salary can also vary by location. Major cities often offer higher pay due to the higher cost of living.
What are the highest paying cities for a Civil Engineer?

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Stockton, CA
Average Salary: $142,966
In Stockton, engineers work on infrastructure projects for a growing city. Companies like AECOM and HNTB provide opportunities to make a difference in the community.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $128,916
Modesto offers a mix of urban and rural projects. Engineers here can find work with firms like Clark Construction and AECOM, focusing on both city and countryside development.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $124,108
San Jose is a tech hub with many engineering projects. Engineers can work with companies like AECOM and Bechtel, contributing to the city's infrastructure and tech advancements.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $123,105
Bakersfield has a strong focus on water and energy projects. Engineers here can find work with firms like AECOM and HNTB, playing a key role in the region's energy and water management.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $120,366
Fresno offers diverse engineering projects, from urban development to agriculture. Engineers can work with companies like AECOM and Clark Construction, improving the city's infrastructure.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $118,659
San Francisco is a city of innovation with many engineering challenges. Engineers here can find work with firms like AECOM and Bechtel, contributing to the city's iconic infrastructure.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $118,306
Los Angeles offers a wide range of engineering projects. Engineers can work with companies like AECOM and Clark Construction, improving the city's transportation and infrastructure.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $116,561
Santa Rosa provides a mix of urban and rural engineering projects. Engineers can find work with firms like AECOM and HNTB, focusing on both city and countryside development.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $111,990
Sacramento offers many engineering projects related to government and infrastructure. Engineers can work with companies like AECOM and Bechtel, contributing to the state's capital city.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $111,956
Washington, DC offers a unique mix of government and private sector projects. Engineers can work with firms like AECOM and Clark Construction, contributing to the nation's capital.
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What are the best companies a Civil Engineer can work for?

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Techno Consult Inc.
Average Salary: $159,618
Techno Consult Inc. offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on infrastructure projects. They operate in various locations across the United States, including California, Texas, and New York. Their projects often involve innovative solutions for urban development.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $148,742
Toole Design Group provides Civil Engineer positions with a strong emphasis on sustainable design. They work in multiple states, such as Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. Their projects include designing eco-friendly infrastructure and transportation systems.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $148,027
HNTB Corporation offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects. They operate in many states, including Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Their projects often involve designing bridges, highways, and public transit systems.
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Interwest Consulting Group
Average Salary: $146,389
Interwest Consulting Group provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on water resource projects. They work in states like Nevada, Utah, and California. Their projects include designing irrigation systems, dams, and water treatment facilities.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $146,125
Piper Companies offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on construction management. They operate in states such as Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. Their projects often involve managing construction sites for buildings, roads, and bridges.
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CONSOR Engineers
Average Salary: $142,750
CONSOR Engineers provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on transportation projects. They work in states like Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Their projects include designing and managing highways, airports, and public transportation systems.
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BB&E
Average Salary: $139,819
BB&E offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on environmental projects. They operate in states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Their projects often involve designing systems for waste management and pollution control.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $137,366
Amazon.com provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on logistics and infrastructure. They operate in many states, including Washington, California, and New York. Their projects include designing and managing distribution centers and transportation networks.
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Gannett Fleming
Average Salary: $135,883
Gannett Fleming offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on infrastructure and transportation projects. They work in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland. Their projects often involve designing and managing highways, airports, and public transit systems.
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RQ Construction
Average Salary: $134,107
RQ Construction provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on construction projects. They operate in states such as Texas, Florida, and California. Their projects include managing construction sites for buildings, roads, and bridges.
How to earn more as a Civil Engineer?
Civil engineers can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on specific areas, they can enhance their skills and market value. This can lead to higher-paying positions and more opportunities for advancement.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Specialization: Civil engineers who specialize in high-demand areas like transportation, environmental engineering, or geotechnical engineering often earn more. Specialization allows engineers to become experts in a niche, making them more valuable to employers.
- Certification: Obtaining professional certifications can boost an engineer's salary. Certifications such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in specific software and technologies can make a candidate more attractive to employers.
- Experience: Gaining experience in the field increases earning potential. Engineers with more years of experience can command higher salaries due to their proven track record and expertise.
- Education: Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, can lead to higher-paying jobs. Advanced degrees often open doors to research positions, teaching roles, or advanced engineering jobs.
- Location: The geographic location can significantly impact earnings. Engineers working in areas with a high demand for their skills, such as major cities or regions with large infrastructure projects, often earn more.



