Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salary in the United States

How much does a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering in the United States is $248,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $119.

However, a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $277,439
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $231,900 to $263,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $216,878

Key Factors That Influence Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salaries

A Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Supervisor, Experienced - Civil Engineering (3-5 years): $116,509
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Manager (5+ years): $143,367
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Senior Manager (5+ years): $174,119
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director (5+ years): $195,985
  • Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering (5+ years): $248,373
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Supervisor, Experienced - Civil Engineering3-5 years$116,509
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Manager5+ years$143,367
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Senior Manager5+ years$174,119
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Director5+ years$195,985
Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering5+ years$248,373

Top Paying Cities for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineerings

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $313,300
  • San Francisco: $309,900
  • Oakland: $303,400

Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $277,597. While startup companies pay approximate $234,819.

Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $234,819
Growth Stage 51~500 $248,345
Established 501~5000 $268,056
Enterprise 5000+ $277,597

Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$310,500$149.025%
Financial Services$298,080$143.020%
Insurance$298,080$143.020%
Energy & Utilities$285,660$137.015%
Internet$285,660$137.015%

Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$231,900
Average $248,400/year
$263,600
$19,325
Average $20,700/month
$21,967
$4,460
Average $4,777/week
$5,069
$111
Average $119/hour
$127
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $263,600 $21,967 $5,069 $127
Average $248,400 $20,700 $4,777 $119
25th Percentile $231,900 $19,325 $4,460 $111

Most common benefits for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering

Here are companies hiring for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the highest position in civil engineering?

Chief Engineer is the highest position in civil engineering. They oversee the planning and execution of engineering projects, ensuring adherence to technical standards and driving innovation. The salary for this role ranges from $244,800 to $314,900, with a mid-point of $274,800, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required.

3. What are the top salaries in civil engineering?

The top salaries in civil engineering for senior roles, such as Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering, range from a minimum of $244,800 to a mid-level salary of $274,800, with a maximum reaching $314,900. This reflects the significant earning potential for experienced professionals in the field.

4. Which country pays highest salary for structural engineer?

The highest paying countries for structural engineers include Switzerland, Denmark, the United States, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Italy, and Germany. In the U.S., the salary range for a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering is between $244,800 and $314,900, with a median salary of $274,800.

5. Are structural engineers in demand in USA?

Yes, structural engineers are in high demand in the USA, driven by new infrastructure projects and a projected job growth of 6%. The salary range for Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering positions reflects this demand, with a minimum salary of $244,800, a mid-salary of $274,800, and a maximum salary of $314,900.

6. Can you make over 100k as a civil engineer?

Yes, you can make over 100k as a civil engineer. The salary data for a Chief of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineering shows a minimum salary of $244,800, a mid-salary of $274,800, and a maximum salary of $314,900. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field can earn significantly more than 100k.

7. Who is the richest civil engineer?

The richest civil engineer is often considered to be Carlos Slim Helu. While his wealth isn't solely attributed to his civil engineering degree, he is a prominent Mexican businessman, investor, and philanthropist. In the field, civil engineers typically earn between $244,800 and $314,900, with a median salary of $274,800.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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