Civil Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 13K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$110,000
$52.88/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
+10.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $161K
13K employed in Washington
The **Civil Engineer salary in Washington** shows a median of $110,000 per year, placing it significantly above the national average. This robust earning potential reflects the state's strong demand for these professionals, with over 12,590 civil engineers currently employed across Washington. The typical salary range for this role in the state falls between $81,840 and $160,670 annually.
Several factors contribute to the earning potential for Civil Engineers in Washington. Experience level plays a crucial role, as does the specific specialization within civil engineering, such as transportation or structural engineering. The size and type of employer, whether a large firm or a government agency, along with geographic location within Washington, also influence compensation for these vital infrastructure professionals.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,840 |
| 25th percentile | $96,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $110,000 |
| 75th percentile | $133,050 |
| 90th percentile | $160,670 |
Top H-1B Employers for Civil Engineer in Washington
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Washington — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon Data Services, Inc | 8 | $120,200 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Civil Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Washington
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Washington.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $90,000 | 5 |
| Level II | Qualified | $116,542 | 21 |
| Level III | Experienced | $133,776 | 5 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $144,662 | 6 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,720 |
| 2023 | $99,150 |
| 2024 | $105,090 |
| 2025 | $110,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,139 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $95,720 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $99,150 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $105,090 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $110,000 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,139 | $103,784 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $110,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $160,670 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Civil Engineer ($110,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | +72.4% | $91.19/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in WA | $158,370 | +44.0% | $76.14/hr |
| Materials Engineer in WA | $139,840 | +27.1% | $67.23/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in WA | $134,800 | +22.5% | $64.81/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in WA | $132,710 | +20.6% | $63.80/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in WA | $129,480 | +17.7% | $62.25/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WA | $129,050 | +17.3% | $62.04/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in WA | $128,290 | +16.6% | $61.68/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in WA | $125,460 | +14.1% | $60.32/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | +0.4% | $53.09/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WA | $109,550 | -0.4% | $52.67/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in WA | $109,570 | -0.4% | $52.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineer make in Washington?
- The median salary for a Civil Engineer in Washington is $110,000 per year, which translates to about $53 per hour. The typical salary range for this profession in the state falls between $81,840 and $160,670 annually.
What is the average salary for Civil Engineers in Washington compared to the national average?
- Civil Engineers in Washington earn significantly more than the national average. Their median salary of $110,000 per year is 10.9% higher than the national median.
Is there a high demand for Civil Engineers in Washington?
- Yes, there is a notable number of Civil Engineers employed in Washington, with a total of 12,590 individuals in the profession. This suggests a strong market for these skills within the state.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Washington?
- The salary range for Civil Engineers in Washington is quite broad, with most professionals earning between $81,840 and $160,670 per year. The median annual salary sits at $110,000.