How much does a Civil Engineer make in 2026?
The national median Civil Engineer salary is $95,890 per year. Civil engineers design and oversee construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure.
Civil Engineer salary by city
Median pay across 10 major US metros — sorted by highest to lowest. Click any city for a full breakdown.
| City | Median | |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $136,200 | View → |
| Seattle, WA | $124,700 | View → |
| New York, NY | $122,700 | View → |
| Los Angeles, CA | $110,300 | View → |
| Austin, TX | $107,400 | View → |
| Denver, CO | $105,500 | View → |
| Chicago, IL | $101,600 | View → |
| Houston, TX | $99,700 | View → |
| Miami, FL | $94,900 | View → |
| Phoenix, AZ | $94,000 | View → |
What does a Civil Engineer do?
Civil engineers design and oversee construction of roads, bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure.
- Design infrastructure
- Review construction plans
- Conduct site inspections
- Calculate load and stress
- Prepare cost estimates
How to become a Civil Engineer
Requires a bachelor's in civil engineering and an engineer-in-training (EIT) credential, then PE license after experience.
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FAQ — Civil Engineer salary
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in the United States?+
The national median Civil Engineer salary is $95,890 per year, based on the latest BLS OEWS data (May 2024 BLS OEWS).
Which US city pays Civil Engineers the most?+
San Francisco, CA currently pays the highest at a median of $136,200/yr — roughly 42% above the national average. Adjust for cost of living before deciding to relocate.
How much does an entry-level Civil Engineer make?+
Entry-level Civil Engineers typically earn around $88,500 in top-paying metros and 64% of the median nationally.
How fast is the Civil Engineer job market growing?+
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster than average growth of +5% over the next 10 years.
Do I need a degree to be a Civil Engineer?+
Requires a bachelor's in civil engineering and an engineer-in-training (EIT) credential, then PE license after experience.
Are you being paid fairly?
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