Civil Engineer Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $121,466 | |
| Washington | $116,760 | |
| New York | $114,298 | |
| Massachusetts | $110,661 | |
| New Jersey | $108,724 | |
| California | $108,500 | |
| Connecticut | $107,987 | |
| Maryland | $105,584 | |
| National Median | $95,890 |
How to Become a Civil Engineer
Civil engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, dams, and water systems.
Meet the education requirement
Most civil engineers enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the Professional Engineer (PE) license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $63,287 and rises toward $139,999 with experience.
Civil Engineer salary: common questions
How much does a Civil Engineer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for civil engineers is $46.10, which works out to about $95,890 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays civil engineers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for civil engineers at $121,466 per year — 27% above the national median of $95,890.
What is the salary range for civil engineers?
Most civil engineers earn between $63,287 and $139,999 per year. The middle 50% earn $77,671 to $118,904, with a median of $95,890.
Is becoming a Civil Engineer a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 5% (faster than average), and the role typically requires bachelor's degree. With a median wage of $95,890 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.