How much does a Transportation Engineer make?
Transportation engineers design and improve the systems that help people move from one place to another. They work on roads, bridges, and public transit systems. This job can be very rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction and salary. The average yearly salary for a transportation engineer is around $97,348. This is a good income for many people.
The salary of a transportation engineer can vary based on experience and location. Engineers with more experience often earn more. Those in big cities or areas with a high cost of living may also earn more. Here are some salary ranges for different levels of experience:
- Entry-level: $46,000 to $57,273
- Mid-level: $68,545 to $79,818
- Senior-level: $91,091 to $102,364
- Very experienced: $113,636 to $170,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

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Birmingham, AL
Average Salary: $135,879
Birmingham offers a growing market for transportation experts. Companies like Norfolk Southern and Amtrak provide opportunities. The city's expanding infrastructure needs skilled professionals.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $125,624
San Diego boasts a vibrant job market for transportation experts. Major firms like SDMTS and Caltrans offer exciting projects. The city's focus on sustainability creates many opportunities.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $120,057
San Jose is a hub for tech and transportation. Companies like Google and Cisco offer innovative projects. The city's dynamic environment makes it ideal for growth.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $119,852
Sacramento provides a stable job market for transportation experts. State-run projects and companies like Civitas offer diverse opportunities. The city's focus on public transport creates many roles.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $118,984
Los Angeles offers a bustling job market for transportation experts. Major firms like Metro and AECOM provide diverse projects. The city's vast infrastructure needs skilled professionals.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $112,752
Portland offers a vibrant job market for transportation experts. Companies like TriMet and the City of Portland provide many opportunities. The city's focus on green transport creates many roles.
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Cincinnati, OH
Average Salary: $111,937
Cincinnati offers a growing market for transportation experts. Companies like Amtrak and the City of Cincinnati provide diverse projects. The city's expanding infrastructure needs skilled professionals.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $111,864
San Francisco offers a dynamic job market for transportation experts. Major firms like SFMTA and Uber provide innovative projects. The city's focus on tech and transport creates many opportunities.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $110,958
Washington, DC offers a stable job market for transportation experts. Companies like WMATA and the U.S. Department of Transportation provide diverse roles. The city's focus on public transport creates many opportunities.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $108,497
Corpus Christi offers a growing market for transportation experts. Companies like NuStar Energy and the City of Corpus Christi provide diverse projects. The city's focus on port and transport creates many opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Transportation Engineer can work for?

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CONSOR Engineers
Average Salary: $201,967
CONSOR Engineers offers exciting Transportation Engineer jobs. They work on projects across the United States. Their projects focus on improving transportation systems and infrastructure.
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Fisher Associates
Average Salary: $132,778
Fisher Associates provides top-notch Transportation Engineer positions. They operate in various locations, including California and Texas. They focus on designing and improving transportation networks.
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Stantec
Average Salary: $131,326
Stantec is a leading company for Transportation Engineer jobs. They work in many states, including New York and Florida. Their projects aim to enhance public transportation and road systems.
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gpac
Average Salary: $119,000
gpac offers competitive Transportation Engineer roles. They operate in several states, including Illinois and Pennsylvania. Their focus is on creating efficient and safe transportation solutions.
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HDR
Average Salary: $118,909
HDR provides rewarding Transportation Engineer jobs. They work in multiple locations, including Colorado and Virginia. Their projects aim to improve transportation infrastructure and sustainability.
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AECOM
Average Salary: $118,567
AECOM offers excellent Transportation Engineer positions. They operate in various states, including Ohio and North Carolina. Their focus is on designing and implementing transportation systems.
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Thruway Authority
Average Salary: $116,043
Thruway Authority provides valuable Transportation Engineer jobs. They work in New York. Their projects focus on maintaining and improving highway systems.
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Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson
Average Salary: $114,642
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson offers promising Transportation Engineer roles. They work in California. Their projects focus on designing and improving transportation infrastructure.
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AKS Engineering & Forestry
Average Salary: $113,457
AKS Engineering & Forestry provides rewarding Transportation Engineer jobs. They work in several states, including Michigan and Arizona. Their focus is on creating efficient transportation systems.
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Toole Design Group
Average Salary: $113,288
Toole Design Group offers competitive Transportation Engineer positions. They work in various locations, including Washington and Oregon. Their focus is on designing and improving transportation networks.
How to earn more as a Transportation Engineer?
Transportation Engineers can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Gaining specialized certifications can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or certifications in specific software tools can enhance a candidate's qualifications. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest industry trends also help in securing better-paying roles.
Experience in managing large projects can lead to higher salaries. Engineers who have successfully overseen significant infrastructure projects often find themselves in demand for similar roles. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can lead to more lucrative job offers. Additionally, relocating to areas with a high demand for transportation engineers can result in higher pay. Engineers who are willing to work in underserved regions or urban areas with rapid development may find better compensation packages.
Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Transportation Engineer:
- Obtain specialized certifications.
- Gain experience in managing large projects.
- Network within the industry.
- Relocate to high-demand areas.
- Stay updated with the latest industry trends.



