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Salary

How much does a Transportation Engineer make?

The average salary for a Transportation Engineer is $97,240 per year in the US.

Transportation Engineers work to design and improve the systems that help people and goods move. They play a key role in ensuring our roads, rails, and public transport are safe and efficient. This important work comes with a rewarding salary. On average, a Transportation Engineer makes about $97,240 per year. This number can vary based on experience, location, and the type of projects they work on.

Here's a closer look at how salaries break down:

  • 10% earn less than $43,790
  • 25% earn between $43,790 and $55,409
  • 50% earn between $55,409 and $90,267
  • 75% earn between $90,267 and $136,743
  • 90% earn less than $148,362
  • 10% earn more than $148,362

These figures show that there are many opportunities for growth. As Transportation Engineers gain more experience and take on more complex projects, they can earn even more. This career offers a good balance between responsibility and compensation, making it an attractive choice for many professionals.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Transportation Engineer?

Transportation Engineers can find great job opportunities and high salaries in several cities across the country. Birmingham, Alabama, stands out with the highest average salary at $144,962. Other top cities include Los Angeles and San Diego in California, offering competitive salaries around $125,000 and $124,000, respectively. Additionally, cities like San Jose, Albuquerque, and San Francisco provide excellent prospects for those in this field, with average salaries ranging from $120,000 to $115,000.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Transportation Engineer jobs, highlighting Birmingham, AL with the highest at $144,962 and Baton Rouge, LA with the lowest at $111,935.
  1. Birmingham, AL
    Average Salary: $144,962
    In Birmingham, professionals enhance the city’s roadways and public transit. Opportunities abound with local firms focusing on infrastructure development. Key employers include the city's Department of Transportation.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Birmingham, AL


  2. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $125,904
    Los Angeles offers a dynamic environment for transportation experts. The city's vast and diverse transit needs create ample opportunities. Major employers include the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, focusing on public transit.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $124,872
    San Diego provides a unique setting with its coastal and hilly terrain. Engineers here work on enhancing public transit and road networks. The city's Department of Transportation is a significant employer in this field.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $120,743
    In Silicon Valley, transportation engineers collaborate with tech companies to develop innovative transit solutions. The city's rapid growth demands efficient transportation systems. Key players include the city's Department of Public Works.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Jose, CA


  5. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $120,387
    Albuquerque offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes. Engineers focus on improving road networks and public transport. The city's Department of Transportation is a major employer in this sector.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  6. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $115,769
    San Francisco presents a challenging yet rewarding environment. The city’s hilly terrain requires innovative transportation solutions. Key employers include the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA


  7. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $115,367
    Portland emphasizes sustainable transportation. Professionals here work on enhancing public transit and bicycle infrastructure. The TriMet is a significant employer, promoting eco-friendly transit solutions.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Portland, OR


  8. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $114,723
    In the nation's capital, transportation engineers contribute to a complex transit network. The city's diverse population demands efficient public transit. Key employers include the Department of Transportation and the Metro.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $112,181
    Sacramento offers a mix of urban and rural transportation challenges. Engineers here focus on road and transit improvements. The city's Department of Public Works is a major employer.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Sacramento, CA


  10. Baton Rouge, LA
    Average Salary: $111,935
    Baton Rouge provides a unique setting with its river and bayous. Professionals here work on improving road networks and river crossings. The city's Department of Transportation is a key employer.
    Find Transportation Engineer jobs in Baton Rouge, LA

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

Transportation Engineers can find high-paying opportunities at CONSOR Engineers, offering the highest average salary at $191,406. This company stands out for its competitive compensation packages. Stantec also provides a strong salary of $140,727, making it another top choice for those seeking a lucrative position. Considering a career with Fisher Associates, TYlin, or Olsson can be equally rewarding, with average salaries around $138,400, $124,008, and $123,253, respectively. Companies like Thruway Authority, HDR, Alta Planning + Design, AECOM, and Houston Engineering, Inc offer salaries ranging from $118,388 to $113,615, providing ample options for career growth.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Transportation Engineer jobs, highlighting CONSOR Engineers with the highest at $191,406 and Houston Engineering, Inc with the lowest at $113,615.
  1. CONSOR Engineers
    Average Salary: $191,406
    CONSOR Engineers offers exciting opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects in many locations across the country. These projects focus on building and improving roads, bridges, and public transport systems.


  2. Stantec
    Average Salary: $140,727
    At Stantec, Transportation Engineers play a key role. They work on projects that improve travel and mobility. The company operates in many regions. They aim to make transportation systems safer and more efficient.


  3. Fisher Associates
    Average Salary: $138,400
    Fisher Associates values Transportation Engineers who design and plan transport projects. They operate in multiple locations and focus on creating better transportation networks. The company works on highways, rail, and public transport systems.


  4. TYlin
    Average Salary: $124,008
    TYlin provides Transportation Engineers with the chance to work on diverse projects. They focus on creating better road networks and improving public transport. The company operates in various locations and values innovation.


  5. Olsson
    Average Salary: $123,253
    Olsson offers many opportunities for Transportation Engineers. They work on projects that improve road safety and efficiency. The company operates in multiple areas and values teamwork.


  6. Thruway Authority
    Average Salary: $118,388
    The Thruway Authority employs Transportation Engineers who design and maintain transport systems. They focus on projects that improve travel and safety. The company operates in specific regions and values innovation.


  7. HDR
    Average Salary: $115,774
    HDR provides Transportation Engineers with the chance to work on projects that make travel easier. They focus on projects in many areas. The company aims to improve transport systems for better mobility.


  8. Alta Planning + Design
    Average Salary: $115,691
    At Alta Planning + Design, Transportation Engineers work on projects that improve transportation networks. They focus on creating better roads and public transport. The company operates in various locations.


  9. AECOM
    Average Salary: $115,003
    AECOM offers Transportation Engineers many opportunities. They work on projects to improve mobility and safety. The company operates in different regions and values innovation.


  10. Houston Engineering, Inc
    Average Salary: $113,615
    Houston Engineering, Inc. employs Transportation Engineers who design and plan transport projects. They focus on improving roads and public transport. The company operates in specific areas.

How to earn more as a Transportation Engineer?

Transportation Engineers can find several avenues to boost their earnings. Gaining experience and education provides a solid foundation. Pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can lead to higher-paying roles. Specialized knowledge in areas like traffic analysis or public transport systems can also open up more lucrative opportunities.

Networking plays a key role in salary growth. Building relationships with industry professionals can lead to job referrals and insider tips. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can enhance visibility and credibility. Engaging with peers and leaders in the field can create pathways to higher-paying positions.

Seeking out leadership roles is another effective strategy. Taking on management responsibilities can lead to higher salaries. Look for opportunities in project management or team leadership. These roles often come with increased pay and greater job satisfaction.

Consider gaining experience in high-demand areas. Urban planning and sustainable transportation are growing fields. Employers value skills in these areas, often leading to higher pay. Specializing in these niche markets can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers.

Continuous learning and skill development are vital. Staying updated with the latest technologies and practices in the field can lead to better job opportunities. Employers reward employees who stay current with the industry’s advancements.

Look at the following factors to increase earnings:

  1. Get advanced degrees and certifications.
  2. Network with industry professionals.
  3. Take on leadership roles.
  4. Gain experience in high-demand areas.
  5. Stay updated with the latest industry practices.

Currently 405 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.
Position
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Transportation Engineer
405 Job Openings