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How much does a Civil Engineer make?

The average salary for a Civil Engineer is $95,479 per year in the US.

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.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Civil Engineer?

Civil engineers can find some of the best pay in California. Stockton, CA, offers the highest average salary at $142,966. Other top cities include Modesto, San Jose, and Bakersfield, all with salaries over $120,000. Washington, DC, also stands out with a competitive average salary of $111,956. These cities provide excellent opportunities for civil engineers looking to maximize their earnings.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Civil Engineer jobs, highlighting Stockton, CA with the highest at $142,966 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $111,956.
  1. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Stockton, CA


  2. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Modesto, CA


  3. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  5. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Fresno, CA


  6. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  9. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. 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.
    Find Civil Engineer jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Civil Engineer can work for?

Civil engineers can find rewarding opportunities with top-paying companies. Techno Consult Inc. leads the way with an average salary of $159,618. Following closely, Toole Design Group offers $148,742, and HNTB Corporation provides $148,027. These companies value skilled engineers and offer competitive compensation. Interwest Consulting Group, Piper Companies, and CONSOR Engineers also provide attractive salaries. BB&E, Amazon.com, Gannett Fleming, and RQ Construction round out the list of high-paying employers for civil engineers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Civil Engineer jobs, highlighting Techno Consult Inc. with the highest at $159,618 and RQ Construction with the lowest at $134,107.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Currently 1,579 Civil Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Civil Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Civil Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Civil Engineer today.
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Civil Engineer
1,579 Job Openings