As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I in the United States is $74,173 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,883 | $6,657 | $1,536 | $38 |
| Average | $74,173 | $6,181 | $1,426 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,943 | $5,745 | $1,326 | $33 |
A Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,157 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,280 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer III | 4-7 years | $109,788 |
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,956 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,032 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.8% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.69% |
| CPR | 1.6% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Process Analysis | $80,107 | |
| CPR | $80,107 | |
| Analysis | $78,623 |
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,806. While startup companies pay approximate $70,116.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,116 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,139 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $79,956 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,806 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $73,361 and $77,634).
| Typical Education for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 71.6% |
| Masters | 23.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
Understanding how a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $79,883 | $6,657 | $1,536 | $38 |
| Average | $74,173 | $6,181 | $1,426 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,943 | $5,745 | $1,326 | $33 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | $90,280 | 22% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $87,300 | 18% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $87,300 | 18% |
Salaries for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,708 in 2023 to around $73,331 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $74,708 |
| 2024 | $73,779 |
| 2025 | $73,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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