Civil Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 368K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$99,151
$47.67/hr
▲ 2.3% vs 2024Salary Range
$68K – $150K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
368K
workers nationwide
The median Civil Engineer salary in the United States is $99,151 per year, which equates to approximately $48 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most professionals falling within a range of $68,045 to $150,452 annually. The demand for these essential infrastructure professionals remains strong across the nation.
Several factors influence Civil Engineer salaries, including years of experience, specific industry, and geographical location. For example, engineers in high cost-of-living areas or those with specialized skills often command higher compensation. The total number of employed Civil Engineers in the U.S. is substantial, standing at 367,880, indicating a large and active job market.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $68,045 |
| 25th percentile | $79,476 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,151 |
| 75th percentile | $124,165 |
| 90th percentile | $150,452 |
Civil Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Civil Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $122,500 | +23.5% | 55K |
| 2 | Alaska | $114,730 | +15.7% | 2K |
| 3 | Washington | $110,000 | +10.9% | 13K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $106,730 | +7.6% | 9K |
| 5 | Louisiana | $105,380 | +6.3% | 4K |
| 6 | Oregon | $105,250 | +6.2% | 5K |
| 7 | New Jersey | $104,660 | +5.6% | 7K |
| 8 | Nevada | $104,310 | +5.2% | 4K |
| 9 | New Mexico | $103,900 | +4.8% | 1K |
| 10 | District of Columbia | $103,880 | +4.8% | 2K |
Civil Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Civil Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction pays the most ($157,120 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | +58.5% | 960 |
| 2 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | +25.0% | 3K |
| 3 | Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | +17.3% | 1K |
| 4 | Utilities | $112,820 | +13.8% | 2K |
| 5 | Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | +10.7% | 600 |
| 6 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $108,900 | +9.8% | 85K |
| 7 | Manufacturing | $107,120 | +8.0% | 4K |
| 8 | Educational Services | $105,410 | +6.3% | 2K |
| 9 | Administrative and Support Services | $103,010 | +3.9% | 5K |
| 10 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,690 | +1.6% | 208K |
| 11 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $99,010 | -0.1% | 50 |
| 12 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,600 | -1.6% | — |
| 13 | Wholesale Trade | $95,050 | -4.1% | 1K |
| 14 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $94,290 | -4.9% | 300 |
| 15 | Construction | $84,200 | -15.1% | 49K |
| 16 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $80,870 | -18.4% | 3K |
| 17 | Accommodation and Food Services | $56,430 | -43.1% | 350 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Civil Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Civil Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon | $132,700 | 40 |
| 2 | Wsp | $104,000 | 38 |
| 3 | Gft Infrastructure | $71,656 | 37 |
| 4 | Aecom Technical Services | $120,479 | 35 |
| 5 | Stv | $98,654 | 35 |
| 6 | Kiewit Engineering Group | $93,820 | 28 |
| 7 | Tesla | $116,000 | 9 |
| 8 | Microsoft | $191,800 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,454 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $79,476 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,151 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $124,165 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $150,452 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $99,151 per year. This means half of all Civil Engineers earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
- The typical salary range for Civil Engineers in the United States is between $68,045 and $150,452 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specialization.
Which state pays Civil Engineers the most?
- California is the top-paying state for Civil Engineers, with an average salary of $122,500 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 367,880 Civil Engineers employed across the United States. This large number indicates a robust job market for this profession.