Civil Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 2K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$103,880
$49.94/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
+4.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $164K
2K employed in District of Columbia
Civil engineers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $103,880 per year, which is 5% above the national average. With approximately 1,650 civil engineers employed in the region, the field represents a significant portion of the local engineering workforce. This competitive compensation reflects the area's concentration of federal infrastructure projects and government contracting opportunities.
Civil engineer salary in District of Columbia varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization. Engineers working on federal projects or in specialized infrastructure roles typically command higher salaries, while those early in their careers may start closer to the lower end of the $78,780 to $164,200 range. Geographic proximity to major government agencies and the prevalence of large-scale public works projects also contribute to the region's above-average compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,780 |
| 25th percentile | $82,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,880 |
| 75th percentile | $130,720 |
| 90th percentile | $164,200 |
Civil Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in District of Columbia
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in District of Columbia.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $165,000 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,390 |
| 2023 | $98,480 |
| 2024 | $102,170 |
| 2025 | $103,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,619 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,390 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $98,480 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $102,170 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $103,880 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,619 | $100,810 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $130,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $164,200 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Civil Engineer ($103,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +87.9% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +78.3% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | +65.9% | $82.85/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in DC | $157,600 | +51.7% | $75.77/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | +37.7% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | +28.3% | $64.09/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -0.6% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -2.8% | $48.52/hr |
| Producer and Director in DC | $104,270 | +0.4% | $50.13/hr |
| Logistician in DC | $104,770 | +0.9% | $50.37/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in DC | $104,900 | +1.0% | $50.43/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DC | $104,990 | +1.1% | $50.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Washington DC?
- Civil engineers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $103,880 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 4.8% higher than the national average for civil engineers.
What is the salary range for civil engineers in DC?
- Civil engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $78,780 at the lower end to $164,200 at the higher end, representing a significant difference based on experience and specialization.
How many civil engineers are employed in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 1,650 civil engineers currently employed in District of Columbia.
Is the DC civil engineer salary above the national average?
- Yes, civil engineers in District of Columbia earn 4.8% more than the national average, with a median salary of $103,880 compared to lower national figures.