How much does a Transportation Engineer make?
Transportation engineers design and improve transportation systems. They look at roads, railways, airports, and public transit. They earn a good salary because their work is very important. The average yearly salary for a transportation engineer is $97,700. This means that many in the field bring in a comfortable income each year.
The salary of transportation engineers can vary based on experience, education, and location. New engineers may start at the lower end of the pay scale. As they gain experience, their salary often increases. Those with a master’s degree or specialized certifications may earn more. Engineers who work in big cities or areas with higher costs of living often make more as well. The lowest 10% of earners make about $43,000 a year, while the top 10% earn $175,000 or more.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $134,724
Working in Los Angeles offers dynamic projects in one of the nation's busiest transportation hubs. Engineers here play a key role in improving city mobility and traffic flow. Companies like AECOM and WSP are actively hiring.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $127,682
In San Diego, professionals contribute to the city's renowned transportation infrastructure. Known for its scenic routes, engineers here enjoy diverse projects. Firms like HNTB Corporation and AECOM Global provide excellent opportunities.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $124,522
Albuquerque offers a balanced lifestyle with rewarding projects. Engineers here improve urban mobility and infrastructure. Notable employers include SRG Global and HDR, Inc., with ongoing projects in urban planning.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $123,239
San Jose provides a vibrant environment for transportation professionals. The tech-driven city faces unique challenges. Companies like Silicon Valley Transportation Planning Agency and AECOM offer innovative roles.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $117,868
In Washington, DC, professionals impact national transportation policies. The city's unique needs demand skilled engineers. Companies like AECOM and WSP are leading in infrastructure development.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $117,728
Tampa offers a growing transportation sector with a focus on coastal infrastructure. Engineers here work on enhancing the region's connectivity. Firms like AECOM and WSP Global are expanding their teams.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $117,663
San Francisco presents exciting challenges for transportation experts. The city's dense urban landscape requires innovative solutions. Engineers here improve public transport and road systems. Major firms include AECOM and AECOM.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $116,805
Portland values sustainable transport solutions. Professionals here contribute to eco-friendly projects. The city's green initiatives attract firms like WSP and AECOM, focusing on public transport and road safety.
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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $114,263
Oklahoma City offers a mix of urban and rural challenges. Engineers here work on both metropolitan and regional transport projects. Companies like AECOM and WSP are active in the area.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $112,394
Sacramento presents diverse projects, from urban to rural. The city's growing infrastructure needs skilled professionals. Engineers here work with companies like AECOM and HDR, focusing on public transport and road safety.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Engineer can work for?

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CONSOR Engineers
Average Salary: $177,318
CONSOR Engineers offers Transportation Engineer jobs with a focus on infrastructure and mobility solutions. They operate across several states, providing design, engineering, and project management services.
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Stantec
Average Salary: $150,957
Stantec provides a range of opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on transit and infrastructure projects across the United States, offering competitive salaries and professional growth.
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BKF Engineers
Average Salary: $150,545
BKF Engineers offers jobs that focus on transportation planning and engineering. They have projects in various locations, providing engineers with diverse experiences and a supportive work environment.
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TEEMA
Average Salary: $131,250
TEEMA offers Transportation Engineer roles with a strong emphasis on sustainable transportation solutions. They work on projects in multiple cities, aiming to improve mobility and reduce environmental impact.
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TYlin
Average Salary: $129,858
TYlin provides jobs for Transportation Engineers who focus on transportation planning and infrastructure. They have projects in several key locations, offering a dynamic work environment.
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New York State Thruway Authority
Average Salary: $119,837
The New York State Thruway Authority offers Transportation Engineer positions with a focus on highway and infrastructure projects. They operate within the state, providing stable employment and growth opportunities.
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Thruway Authority
Average Salary: $119,502
Thruway Authority provides Transportation Engineer jobs centered on transportation infrastructure. They operate with a focus on maintaining and improving roadways, offering solid career development.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $116,699
AECOM offers Transportation Engineer jobs with a variety of projects in urban planning and infrastructure. They have a global presence, providing opportunities to work on significant transportation initiatives.
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State of Connecticut
Average Salary: $115,838
The State of Connecticut provides jobs for Transportation Engineers focused on public transportation and road projects. They offer stable employment and a commitment to enhancing transportation systems.
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CDM Smith
Average Salary: $115,501
CDM Smith offers Transportation Engineer roles with a focus on sustainable transportation solutions. They have projects across various locations, providing engineers with diverse experiences and opportunities for professional growth.
How to earn more as a Transportation Engineer?
Transportation Engineers can explore several avenues to increase their earnings. One effective strategy involves gaining more experience and expertise in specific areas of transportation engineering. As engineers tackle more complex projects, their value to employers often increases, leading to higher salaries. Another pathway is obtaining advanced degrees or certifications in specialized fields such as traffic management, public transit, or sustainability. These credentials can make an engineer more competitive in the job market.
Seeking opportunities for professional development through workshops, courses, and conferences can also boost earning potential. Continuous learning allows engineers to stay updated on the latest technologies and methods, which can be leveraged to improve project outcomes and efficiency. Networking within the industry and joining professional organizations can open doors to higher-paying positions and projects. Building a strong professional network can lead to more job opportunities and collaborations that enhance career growth. Finally, relocating to areas with higher demand for transportation engineers can result in significant salary increases. Engineers should research regions where the need for their skills is greatest and consider moving if it means better pay and job opportunities.
Here are five key factors that can help a Transportation Engineer earn more:
- Gain experience in specialized areas of transportation engineering.
- Obtain advanced degrees or certifications in relevant fields.
- Participate in professional development and training programs.
- Build a strong professional network and join industry organizations.
- Consider relocating to areas with higher demand and better pay.



