How Much Does a Civil Engineer Make?

Civil engineering is a rewarding field brimming with opportunities, and your earning potential is influenced by a variety of factors. Experience is a significant contributor to a Civil Engineer's salary. As you progress in your career, gaining exposure to different projects and responsibilities, your expertise in managing complex tasks increases, leading to higher compensation. Similarly, your educational background plays a significant role. Holding a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, but specialists with a master's degree or a Ph.D. in a specific field of civil engineering typically command higher salaries.

Additionally, specialization within civil engineering can also dramatically affect earning potential. For instance, those skilled in areas such as environmental engineering, structural engineering, or transportation engineering may earn more due to the industry's demand for these unique skillsets. Lastly, the location of your job has a big impact on your salary. Civil Engineers are needed everywhere, but salaries can vary widely from one region to another, depending on factors like cost of living, project funding, and the local economy. For example, working in high-demand, high-cost areas like major metropolitan cities often results in higher salaries compared to smaller, rural areas.

Civil Engineer Estimated Salary

High
$56.18/hour/hr
National Average
$46.20/hour/hr
Low
$34.94/hour/hr

Top Salary Locations for Civil Engineer Jobs

Top Salary Locations for Civil Engineer Jobs
25%+
15% to 24%
5% to 14%
Industry Average
-5% to -14%
-15% to -24%
-25% or more

Salary for Civil Engineer Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireConstruction research efforts.
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How Do You Negotiate Salary as a Civil Engineer?

Entering the field of Civil Engineering? Congratulations! It's an exciting and rewarding industry, but it's also important to ensure you're compensated fairly for your expertise and hard work. Start by researching salaries in your area and field using tools like the iHireConstruction Salary Research Tool. This will give you a solid understanding of what others in similar roles and locations are earning, and provide a foundation for your negotiations.

If you're a current Civil Engineer looking for a raise, be prepared to showcase your accomplishments. Have you completed a project under budget, or ahead of schedule? Maybe you've taken on extra responsibilities or upskilled? Highlighting your value to the company can help justify your request. Remember, it's always a good idea to have facts and figures at the ready to back up your claims. And for those accepting a new position, never be afraid to negotiate. Often, the first salary offer isn't final. Leverage your iHireConstruction research to make a counteroffer if necessary. Whether you're a new hire or a seasoned professional, being prepared and knowing your worth will help ensure your salary matches your skills and dedication.

Average Work Experience
Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Civil Engineers
4-6 years
28.6%
2-4 years
23.8%
None
23.8%
1-2 years
14.3%
6-8 years
4.8%
Less than 1 year
4.8%