How much does a Transportation Engineer make?
Transportation engineers play a key role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our world moving. This job offers a rewarding career with a good salary. On average, transportation engineers earn about $100,500 a year. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry they work in. For those at the beginning of their careers, the pay starts lower but grows as they gain more experience and take on more responsibility.
Those in the top 10% of earners make more than $182,000 each year. Here is a look at how salaries can increase with experience:
- 0-2 years: $43,000
- 3-5 years: $68,312
- 6-10 years: $106,281
- 11-20 years: $144,249
- 20+ years: $182,218
These numbers show that transportation engineering can offer both a stable income and opportunities for growth.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $139,216
Working in Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment with diverse projects. Engineers here often collaborate with major firms like AECOM and WSP Global. This city’s vast infrastructure needs ensure ongoing opportunities.
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Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $135,593
In Albuquerque, professionals enjoy a balanced lifestyle. The city’s expanding transportation sector includes opportunities with companies like HNTB and Kiewit. Albuquerque provides a growing market for dedicated engineers.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $130,502
San Diego's sunny climate makes for a pleasant work environment. Engineers here often work with companies such as HDR and AECOM. The city’s focus on sustainable transport creates innovative projects.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $123,391
San Jose is a tech hub, offering unique challenges for transportation experts. Companies like Parsons and Bechtel provide excellent opportunities. The city’s fast pace matches the high demand for efficient transport solutions.
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Oklahoma City, OK
Average Salary: $119,638
In Oklahoma City, engineers enjoy a growing job market. Firms such as HNTB and AECOM are prominent. The city’s commitment to infrastructure improvement offers many exciting projects.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $119,561
Buffalo provides a balanced lifestyle with a strong engineering community. Engineers work with companies like AECOM and WSP. The city’s focus on public transit creates a steady flow of opportunities.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $119,394
Portland is known for its green initiatives. Engineers here often collaborate with firms such as HDR and Arup. The city’s emphasis on sustainability offers rewarding projects.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $118,371
Tampa offers a warm climate and a growing job market. Companies like WSP and AECOM provide excellent opportunities. The city’s expanding infrastructure ensures ongoing projects for professionals.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $117,105
San Francisco’s innovative spirit makes it an exciting place for engineers. Companies such as Bechtel and AECOM offer many opportunities. The city’s focus on public transport and sustainability creates innovative projects.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $115,204
Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of government and private sector opportunities. Engineers work with firms like AECOM and WSP. The city’s infrastructure needs provide a steady stream of projects.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Engineer can work for?

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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $158,975
Toole Design Group offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects across the United States, focusing on creating safe and efficient transportation systems. Their locations include major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.
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Fisher Associates PE, LS, LA, DPC
Average Salary: $157,000
At Fisher Associates, Transportation Engineers develop innovative solutions for infrastructure projects. The company operates nationwide, with offices in cities such as San Francisco, Denver, and Washington, D.C. They prioritize safety and sustainability in their projects.
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BKF Engineers
Average Salary: $146,493
BKF Engineers provides Transportation Engineers with the chance to work on large-scale projects. Their expertise spans multiple states, including California, Texas, and Florida. They focus on enhancing public transportation and road safety.
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Woolpert
Average Salary: $144,007
Woolpert is a forward-thinking company where Transportation Engineers can make a significant impact. They operate in key areas like New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. Woolpert emphasizes cutting-edge technology to improve transportation infrastructure.
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Caltrans
Average Salary: $141,499
Caltrans offers rewarding positions for Transportation Engineers. They focus on California's transportation needs, ensuring safe and efficient travel. Key locations include Sacramento, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $134,801
AECOM provides dynamic roles for Transportation Engineers. They operate globally, with significant projects in cities like London, Sydney, and Dubai. AECOM works on various transportation systems, from roads to public transit.
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J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc.
Average Salary: $131,731
J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc. offers stable positions for Transportation Engineers. They focus on projects in the eastern United States, with offices in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston. Their work includes improving urban transportation networks.
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TYLin
Average Salary: $127,164
TYLin provides innovative opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects across the western United States, including major cities like Portland, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. TYLin emphasizes sustainable transportation solutions.
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Michael Baker International
Average Salary: $124,703
Michael Baker International offers diverse roles for Transportation Engineers. They operate in key locations like Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Kansas City. The company focuses on improving transportation systems through smart, sustainable designs.
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HNTB
Average Salary: $120,886
HNTB provides opportunities for Transportation Engineers to work on major projects. They are active in cities such as New Orleans, San Diego, and Minneapolis. HNTB works on enhancing transportation infrastructure for the public good.
How to earn more as a Transportation Engineer?
A Transportation Engineer focuses on planning, designing, and maintaining transportation systems. This profession offers several pathways to increase earnings. Experience and education are key factors, but specific strategies can also enhance income. Increasing skills and certifications can lead to higher-paying roles.
Here are some strategies to consider:
- Get more education: Advanced degrees can open up higher-paying positions. A master's or doctorate can lead to roles like Chief Engineer or Director of Transportation.
- Gain more experience: Working longer in the field often leads to higher pay. Seek roles that offer more responsibility and challenge.
- Earn certifications: Professional certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Project Management Professional (PMP) can boost credibility and salary.
- Specialize in high-demand areas: Focus on niches like transportation planning, traffic engineering, or highway design. These areas often pay more.
- Pursue leadership roles: Leadership positions like Transportation Manager or Director can significantly increase income.



