upper level job

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III in the United States is $109,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $126,602
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $101,090 to $118,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,169

Key Factors That Influence Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salaries

A Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III'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:

  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer I (0-2 years): $74,157
  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer II (2-4 years): $90,280
  • Civil/Construction/Structural 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Civil Infrastructure Engineer I0-2 years$74,157
Civil Infrastructure Engineer II2-4 years$90,280
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III4-7 years$109,788
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV7+ years$123,956
Civil Infrastructure Engineer V7-10 years$148,032

Top Paying Cities for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IIIs

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: $138,490
  • San Francisco: $136,990
  • Oakland: $134,090

What Skills Can Increase a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.97% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Equipment Maintenance (Mentioned in 3.33% Job Postings): Keeping business equipment in reliable working order and condition to lessen downtime and assure equipment safety.
  • Diversity and Inclusion (Mentioned in 1.84% Job Postings): Developing and promoting acquaintance, empowerment, and integration of each unique individual to create a productive and safe working environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.97%
Equipment Maintenance 3.33%
Diversity and Inclusion 1.84%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

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 III's salary.

  • Interviewing: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Career Development: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
  • Leadership: Can increase your salary by up to 2%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Interviewing $114,182
4%
Career Development $111,986
2%
Leadership $111,986
2%

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,569. While startup companies pay approximate $103,785.

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $103,785
Growth Stage 51~500 $109,739
Established 501~5000 $118,350
Enterprise 5000+ $122,569

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$137,238$66.025%
Aerospace & Defense$131,748$63.020%
Transportation$129,552$62.018%
Financial Services$126,258$61.015%
MFG Durable$122,965$59.012%

How Education impacts a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor'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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $107,754 and $114,665).

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.5%
High School 0.5%
Associates 0.8%
Bachelors 63.6%
Masters 30.8%
Doctorate 4.4%

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III'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 October 01, 2026
$101,090
Average $109,790/year
$118,590
$8,424
Average $9,149/month
$9,883
$1,944
Average $2,111/week
$2,281
$49
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $118,590 $9,883 $2,281 $57
Average $109,790 $9,149 $2,111 $53
25th Percentile $101,090 $8,424 $1,944 $49

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III, 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.

Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV $123,960 13%
Specialist Structural Engineer $124,000 13%
Engineer, Specialist - Transportation $123,100 12%

Most common benefits for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. Can civil engineers make 100K?

Yes, civil engineers can make over $100K. The salary data indicates a minimum salary of $101,890, a mid-range salary of $114,090, and a maximum salary of $128,090. This shows that many civil engineers earn well above the $100K mark, especially in high-paying states like California and New York.

3. How much does a 3rd year civil engineer make?

As of now, a Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer typically earns between $101,890 and $128,090 annually, with a mid-salary of $114,090. This range reflects the experience and expertise expected from a 3rd year civil engineer, aligning with industry standards for this level of position.

4. How many years of school for structural engineer?

To become a structural engineer, it generally takes about six to eight years: four years for a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, plus two to four years of work experience to qualify for the PE license. Salaries for structural engineers range from a minimum of $101,890 to a maximum of $128,090, with a mid-salary of $114,090.

5. Can you make over 100K as a civil engineer?

Yes, you can make over 100K as a civil engineer. The salary data indicates a minimum salary of $101,890, a mid-range salary of $114,090, and a maximum salary of $128,090. With experience and qualifications, many civil engineers can earn salaries well above these figures, especially in specialized roles or high-demand areas.

6. Do structural engineers get paid more than civil engineers?

Structural engineers typically earn higher salaries than civil engineers. Based on recent data, the salary range for structural engineers is between $101,890 and $128,090, with a mid-salary of $114,090. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in structural engineering compared to general civil engineering roles.

7. What engineers make 200k a year?

Civil, Construction, and Structural Engineers typically earn between $101,890 and $128,090 annually, with a mid-salary of $114,090. While some specialized engineering roles may offer salaries around $200k, most positions in this field fall below that threshold. Consider exploring advanced roles or industries for higher earning potential.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job