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How much does a Transportation Engineer make?

The average salary for a Transportation Engineer is $97,589 per year in the US.

Transportation Engineers play a key role in designing and improving our roads, bridges, and public transit systems. They earn a solid income, with an average yearly salary of $97,589. This profession offers a range of opportunities, from entry-level positions to senior roles. As experience grows, so does the potential for higher earnings.

The salary for Transportation Engineers can vary based on experience and location. Entry-level engineers might start around $46,000 per year. With a few years of experience, salaries can increase to about $79,000. More experienced engineers, often in senior or managerial positions, can earn upwards of $134,000. These figures show a clear path for growth and reward in this field.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

Transportation Engineers can find top-paying opportunities in several cities across the U.S. Birmingham, AL, offers a competitive average salary of $127,402. California cities like San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento also provide high earnings, with averages around $125,000. San Francisco, Miami, and Washington, DC, round out the list with attractive salaries for this profession.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Transportation Engineer jobs, highlighting Birmingham, AL with the highest at $127,402 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $111,513.
  1. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $127,402
    In Birmingham, professionals can find rewarding work with companies like Norfolk Southern Railway. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban projects, allowing for diverse experiences. The warm climate makes commuting pleasant year-round.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $125,667
    San Jose is a hub for tech and innovation. Working here means collaborating with companies like Google and Apple. The city's dynamic environment offers many opportunities for growth. The public transport system is well-developed, making it easy to navigate.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $124,364
    San Diego offers a great quality of life with its beautiful beaches and mild weather. Companies like Qualcomm and General Atomics are prominent employers. The city's focus on sustainability provides exciting projects for engineers. The public transport is efficient, making daily commutes easy.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $120,983
    Sacramento is the state capital and offers a mix of government and private sector projects. Working here means being involved in significant infrastructure projects. The city's central location makes it a key player in regional transportation. The cost of living is relatively low, offering a good balance for professionals.
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  5. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $116,694
    Los Angeles is a major city with diverse opportunities. Companies like Metro and AECOM are leaders in the field. The city's vast area means projects range from urban to suburban settings. The public transport system is extensive, though traffic can be challenging. The vibrant culture makes living here exciting.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  6. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $115,220
    Miami offers a unique blend of urban and coastal environments. Working here means dealing with both city and beachside projects. Companies like Miami-Dade Transit provide many opportunities. The warm climate and beautiful beaches make it an attractive place to live. The public transport is improving, with new projects underway.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Miami, FL


  7. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $113,315
    San Francisco is a tech powerhouse with companies like Uber and Lyft. The city's hilly terrain presents unique challenges and opportunities. The public transport system, including BART and Muni, is well-developed. The cost of living is high, but the job market is robust.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $112,778
    Portland is known for its eco-friendliness and vibrant community. Companies like TriMet focus on sustainable transport solutions. The city's bike-friendly infrastructure offers many projects. The mild climate and natural beauty make it a great place to live. Public transport is reliable, with a strong focus on green initiatives.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $111,558
    Cincinnati offers a mix of urban and suburban projects. Working here means being part of a community that values innovation. Companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble provide many opportunities. The cost of living is affordable, making it a good place for professionals to settle. The city's public transport is improving with new projects.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $111,513
    Washington, DC, offers a unique blend of government and private sector projects. Working here means being at the heart of national transportation initiatives. Companies like AECOM and WSP Global are prominent employers. The city's public transport system is extensive, though traffic can be a challenge. The cultural and historical attractions make it a fascinating place to live.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC

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

Transportation Engineers can find top-paying opportunities at CONSOR Engineers, Fisher Associates, and Stantec. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive choices for professionals in the field. Engineers can expect to earn significantly more at these firms compared to others in the industry.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Transportation Engineer jobs, highlighting CONSOR Engineers with the highest at $196,375 and Yu & Associates with the lowest at $114,357.
  1. CONSOR Engineers
    Average Salary: $196,375
    CONSOR Engineers offers exciting Transportation Engineer jobs. They work on projects across the United States. Their projects focus on improving transportation systems. They have offices in many states, including California, Texas, and New York.


  2. Fisher Associates
    Average Salary: $132,778
    Fisher Associates provides opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They focus on designing and improving transportation infrastructure. They operate in several states, including Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Their work helps make transportation safer and more efficient.


  3. Stantec
    Average Salary: $131,306
    Stantec is a leading company for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve roads, bridges, and public transit. They have offices in many states, including Illinois, Michigan, and Washington. Their work is vital for community development.


  4. AECOM
    Average Salary: $118,509
    AECOM offers many Transportation Engineer jobs. They focus on designing and building transportation systems. They work in many states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Virginia. Their projects help make transportation more reliable and sustainable.


  5. gpac
    Average Salary: $117,993
    gpac provides opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve transportation infrastructure. They operate in several states, including Georgia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Their work helps make transportation safer and more efficient.


  6. HDR
    Average Salary: $116,954
    HDR offers exciting Transportation Engineer jobs. They focus on designing and improving transportation systems. They have offices in many states, including Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey. Their work is vital for community development.


  7. AKS Engineering & Forestry
    Average Salary: $115,381
    AKS Engineering & Forestry provides opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve roads, bridges, and public transit. They operate in several states, including Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Their work helps make transportation more reliable and sustainable.


  8. Thruway Authority
    Average Salary: $115,045
    Thruway Authority offers Transportation Engineer jobs. They focus on designing and building transportation systems. They operate in several states, including New York and Pennsylvania. Their projects help make transportation safer and more efficient.


  9. Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson
    Average Salary: $114,642
    Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson provides opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve transportation infrastructure. They have offices in many states, including California, Florida, and Texas. Their work is vital for community development.


  10. Yu & Associates
    Average Salary: $114,357
    Yu & Associates offers exciting Transportation Engineer jobs. They focus on designing and improving transportation systems. They operate in several states, including Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. Their work helps make transportation more reliable and sustainable.

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 like the Professional Engineer (PE) license or certifications in traffic management can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest industry trends also enhance a professional's value.

Experience plays a crucial role in salary negotiations. Engineers with more years in the field and a proven track record of successful projects often command higher salaries. Networking within the industry and building a strong professional reputation can lead to better job offers and promotions. Seeking out leadership roles or project management positions can also increase earning potential. Lastly, relocating to areas with a higher demand for transportation engineers can lead to better-paying opportunities.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Transportation Engineer:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications.
  2. Gain more years of experience.
  3. Network within the industry.
  4. Seek leadership roles.
  5. Consider relocating to high-demand areas.

Currently 431 Transportation Engineer job openings, nationwide.

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

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