Civil Engineer Salary.
Across 30 U.S. cities.
$86,000
national median salary
$68,000 to $112,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$120,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$90,000
Raleigh, NC
Lowest Paying
$76,000
Indianapolis, IN
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Civil Engineer salary in the United States is $86,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $68,000 at the 25th percentile to $112,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $120,000, while Raleigh offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. PE licensure is nearly essential for advancement and adds significant salary premium.
Civil Engineer salary by city
What you should know
PE licensure is nearly essential for advancement and adds significant salary premium. Specialization in transportation, water resources, or geotechnical engineering pays more than general site development. Geographic demand driven by infrastructure spending varies widely, with high-growth Sun Belt metros offering the best compensation packages.
Entry-level civil engineers (EIT) start at $68,000 to $78,000. Licensed PEs earn $86,000 to $112,000 after four to six years. Project managers reach $110,000 to $145,000, with principals at engineering firms earning $150,000 to $200,000 or more.
Consulting firms offer bonuses of 5 to 10% tied to project billing targets. Government civil engineers receive pension benefits, step increases, and strong job security. Many firms cover PE exam costs and provide annual professional development stipends.