How much does a Civil Engineer make?
Civil engineers play a key role in designing and overseeing construction projects. They work on a variety of projects, from roads and bridges to water systems and buildings. The average yearly salary for a civil engineer is around $95,420. This means that many civil engineers earn a good living.
The salary for civil engineers can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level civil engineers may start with a salary around $42,000. As they gain experience and take on more responsibility, their salary can increase. Experienced civil engineers can earn over $158,000 a year. Some civil engineers also work in specialized areas, which can lead to higher salaries. For example, those who work in urban planning or environmental engineering may see higher pay.
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 that boost city growth. Companies like AECOM and HNTB offer opportunities to make a difference. The city values skilled professionals who can handle large-scale projects.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $129,716
Modesto offers a mix of urban and rural projects. Engineers here focus on sustainable development. Firms like Clark Nexsen and URS Corporation provide a chance to work on innovative projects.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $127,284
Bakersfield is a growing city with many infrastructure needs. Engineers here are involved in water management and transportation projects. Companies like Bechtel and AECOM offer exciting career paths.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $123,955
San Jose is a tech hub with many engineering opportunities. Engineers work on projects for tech giants and startups. Firms like WSP and AECOM Global are prominent employers.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $120,113
Los Angeles offers diverse engineering projects. Engineers here work on everything from highways to skyscrapers. Companies like AECOM and Bechtel provide many opportunities.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $119,485
San Francisco is a city of innovation. Engineers work on projects that blend technology and sustainability. Firms like Arup and AECOM offer dynamic career paths.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $117,625
Santa Rosa offers a mix of urban and rural engineering projects. Engineers here focus on community development. Companies like Clark Nexsen and URS Corporation provide many opportunities.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $117,415
Fresno is a growing city with many infrastructure needs. Engineers here work on water management and transportation projects. Firms like AECOM and Bechtel offer exciting career paths.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $113,499
Sacramento offers a variety of engineering projects. Engineers here focus on sustainable development. Companies like WSP and AECOM Global provide many opportunities.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $111,320
Washington, DC offers unique engineering projects. Engineers here work on government and infrastructure projects. Firms like AECOM and Bechtel provide many opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Civil Engineer can work for?

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Techno Consult Inc.
Average Salary: $161,500
Techno Consult Inc. offers exciting Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on innovative projects. They operate in various locations, including California, Texas, and New York. Their projects often involve infrastructure and sustainable design.
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HNTB Corporation
Average Salary: $150,915
HNTB Corporation provides Civil Engineer positions with a strong emphasis on transportation and infrastructure. They work across the United States, with major offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Their projects include bridges, highways, and public transit systems.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $148,742
Toole Design Group offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on architecture and engineering. They operate in several states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Florida. Their projects often involve commercial and residential buildings, as well as public spaces.
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Interwest Consulting Group
Average Salary: $147,813
Interwest Consulting Group provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on environmental and water resources. They work in various locations, including Oregon, Washington, and California. Their projects often involve water management, land development, and environmental impact assessments.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $146,125
Piper Companies offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on infrastructure and construction. They operate in several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. Their projects often involve roads, bridges, and public utilities.
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BB&E
Average Salary: $140,854
BB&E provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on transportation and infrastructure. They work in various locations, including Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Their projects often involve highways, airports, and public transit systems.
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Amazon.com
Average Salary: $138,646
Amazon.com offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on logistics and infrastructure. They operate in several states, including Washington, California, and New York. Their projects often involve warehouses, distribution centers, and transportation networks.
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RQ Construction
Average Salary: $136,618
RQ Construction provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on construction and infrastructure. They work in various locations, including Florida, Texas, and California. Their projects often involve commercial buildings, roads, and bridges.
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MRA Unlimited Inc.
Average Salary: $134,773
MRA Unlimited Inc. offers Civil Engineer jobs with a focus on environmental and water resources. They operate in several states, including California, Nevada, and Arizona. Their projects often involve water management, land development, and environmental impact assessments.
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TYlin
Average Salary: $134,600
TYlin provides Civil Engineer positions with a focus on transportation and infrastructure. They work in various locations, including California, Texas, and Florida. Their projects often involve highways, airports, and public transit systems.
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 job opportunities and promotions. Attention to these factors can make a significant difference in a civil engineer's career.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Specialization: Civil engineers who specialize in high-demand areas like transportation, geotechnical, or structural engineering often earn more. Specialization allows engineers to become experts in a niche, making them more valuable to employers.
- Certification: Obtaining professional certifications, such as becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or a Project Management Professional (PMP), can lead to higher salaries. These certifications demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment to the profession.
- Experience: Gaining more experience in the field can lead to higher-paying positions. Experienced engineers often take on more complex projects and leadership roles, which come with higher pay.
- Education: Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Advanced education can lead to roles in research, academia, or specialized consulting.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to better job opportunities and salary increases. Attending industry conferences, joining professional organizations, and connecting with peers can help engineers learn about higher-paying positions and industry trends.



