How much does a Transportation Engineer make?
Transportation engineers earn a solid income, with an average yearly salary of $97,108. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, and location. The lowest 10% of earners make around $45,950 per year, while the top 10% earn over $167,000 annually.
Experience plays a significant role in salary. Those with less than one year of experience start at around $45,950. With one to four years of experience, salaries rise to an average of $57,012. Engineers with five to nine years of experience earn about $79,135. The highest salaries, around $167,000, go to those with over 20 years of experience. The more you work in this field, the more you can earn.
What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

-
Birmingham, AL
Average Salary: $145,026
In Birmingham, professionals enhance city infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient transport. Key employers include major construction firms and government agencies.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL
-
San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $124,052
San Diego offers exciting opportunities to improve public transport systems. Notable employers include city transit departments and large engineering firms.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $120,871
San Jose provides dynamic roles in shaping the city’s transport networks. Companies like tech giants and public transit authorities are hiring.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $120,706
Los Angeles is a hub for transportation innovation, with projects aimed at easing traffic congestion. Major employers include the city’s transit authority and private sector firms.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
-
Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $116,281
Sacramento offers rewarding positions focused on improving the state’s transport infrastructure. Opportunities exist with government agencies and private consulting firms.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $115,769
San Francisco is a center for advanced transport solutions, with roles in enhancing urban mobility. Companies like tech firms and public transit agencies are key employers.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Albuquerque, NM
Average Salary: $114,484
Albuquerque presents unique challenges and opportunities for transport improvements. Local government and private firms offer roles in this growing field.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM
-
Portland, OR
Average Salary: $113,776
Portland focuses on sustainable transport options, offering roles that promote green initiatives. Key employers include city planning departments and green tech companies.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR
-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $112,489
Washington, DC, offers roles in enhancing the capital’s transport systems. Opportunities exist with federal agencies and large construction firms.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC
-
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $108,910
Miami provides exciting roles in developing efficient transport networks. Employers include the city’s transit authority and major engineering firms.
Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Miami, FL
What are the best companies a Transportation Engineer can work for?

-
CONSOR Engineers
Average Salary: $198,415
CONSOR Engineers offers rewarding roles for Transportation Engineers. They focus on creating safe and efficient travel systems. They work in multiple locations, including California and Texas.
-
BKF Engineers
Average Salary: $155,013
BKF Engineers helps Transportation Engineers shape community growth. They design roads, bridges, and public transit. They operate mainly in the Midwest, including states like Michigan and Illinois.
-
Stantec
Average Salary: $141,320
Stantec values innovation in transportation design. They employ Transportation Engineers to work on various projects. The company operates internationally with a strong presence in North America.
-
Fisher Associates
Average Salary: $133,235
Fisher Associates offers diverse opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on infrastructure projects across the country. The company operates in many states, including New York and Florida.
-
HDR
Average Salary: $118,762
HDR is a leading firm for Transportation Engineers. They focus on sustainable transport solutions. They operate in many states, providing jobs in areas like California and Colorado.
-
Thruway Authority
Average Salary: $116,823
Thruway Authority needs skilled Transportation Engineers. They manage and improve highway systems. They operate in New York and offer opportunities for growth.
-
AECOM
Average Salary: $114,986
AECOM employs Transportation Engineers to work on large projects. They design and build roads and public transport. They have offices in many states, including California and Texas.
-
Arcadis
Average Salary: $114,478
Arcadis offers exciting roles for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve mobility. The company operates in many states, including New York and Florida.
-
Houston Engineering, Inc
Average Salary: $113,035
Houston Engineering, Inc. hires Transportation Engineers to work on infrastructure. They focus on building safe roads and bridges. The company operates in Texas.
-
AKS Engineering & Forestry
Average Salary: $112,023
AKS Engineering & Forestry needs Transportation Engineers to improve transportation systems. They work on projects in various states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania.
How to earn more as a Transportation Engineer?
Transportation Engineers have a key role in planning and creating transportation systems. They can increase their earnings by focusing on several areas. One important factor is gaining experience. More experienced engineers often earn higher salaries.
Here are some steps to help increase earnings:
- Get Advanced Degrees: Higher education can lead to higher pay. A master's degree or a Ph.D. can open up more job opportunities and higher salaries.
- Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on areas like traffic engineering, public transit, or transportation planning. These specialties often pay more.
- Get Certified: Professional certifications from organizations like the Institute of Transportation Engineers can boost earning potential.
- Gain Experience: Working in various projects and gaining practical experience will make an engineer more valuable.
- Seek Management Roles: Moving into project management or leadership roles can significantly increase salary.



