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Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I in the United States is $74,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $85,080
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,990 to $79,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,256

Key Factors That Influence Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salaries

A Civil Infrastructure 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.

How Experience Level Affects Civil Infrastructure Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Civil Infrastructure 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:

  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer I (0-2 years): $74,155
  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer II (2-4 years): $90,282
  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer III (4-7 years): $105,822
  • Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV (7+ years): $123,952
  • Civil Infrastructure Engineer V (7-10 years): $148,034
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Civil Infrastructure Engineer I0-2 years$74,155
Civil Infrastructure Engineer II2-4 years$90,282
Civil Infrastructure Engineer III4-7 years$105,822
Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV7+ years$123,952
Civil Infrastructure Engineer V7-10 years$148,034

Top Paying Cities for Civil Infrastructure Engineer Is

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: $93,590
  • San Francisco: $92,590
  • Oakland: $90,590

What Skills Can Increase a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 5.8% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Equipment Maintenance (Mentioned in 2.69% Job Postings): Keeping business equipment in reliable working order and condition to lessen downtime and assure equipment safety.
  • CPR (Mentioned in 1.6% Job Postings): Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialized treatment is available.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.8%
Equipment Maintenance 2.69%
CPR 1.6%

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 Infrastructure Engineer I's salary.

  • Process Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • CPR: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Process Analysis $80,125
8%
CPR $80,125
8%
Analysis $78,641
6%

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,910. While startup companies pay approximate $70,134.

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,134
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,173
Established 501~5000 $80,061
Enterprise 5000+ $82,910

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Civil Infrastructure Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Civil Infrastructure Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Civil Infrastructure Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$96,447$46.030%
Insurance$92,738$45.025%
Biotechnology$89,028$43.020%
Pharmaceuticals$89,028$43.020%
Software & Networking$85,318$41.015%

How Education impacts a Civil Infrastructure Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil Infrastructure 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 Infrastructure Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $73,362 and $77,669).

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Civil Infrastructure 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%

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Civil Infrastructure 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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$68,990
Average $74,190/year
$79,890
$5,749
Average $6,183/month
$6,658
$1,327
Average $1,427/week
$1,536
$33
Average $36/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,890 $6,658 $1,536 $38
Average $74,190 $6,183 $1,427 $36
25th Percentile $68,990 $5,749 $1,327 $33

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Civil Infrastructure 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.

Civil Infrastructure Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Civil Infrastructure Engineer II $90,290 22%
Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering $87,300 18%
Engineer, Experienced - Transportation $87,300 18%

Most common benefits for Civil Infrastructure Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Civil Infrastructure Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Civil Infrastructure Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Civil Infrastructure Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Civil Infrastructure Engineer I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil Infrastructure Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest paid Civil Engineer?

The highest paid Civil Infrastructure Engineer can expect a salary up to $87,390. This role encompasses various specializations, including Petroleum Engineer, Offshore Engineer, Bridge Engineer, Tunnelling Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Structural Design Engineer, and Geotechnical Engineer, with salaries typically ranging from $71,490 to $78,890 for mid-level positions.

3. Is an engineering degree worth it?

An engineering degree is indeed worth it, especially in civil infrastructure. Entry-level salaries start around $71,490, with mid-career earnings at approximately $78,890, and experienced professionals can earn up to $87,390. This competitive pay reflects the high demand for skilled engineers, making it a valuable investment in your future.

4. Which engineer has the highest salary?

The Civil Infrastructure Engineer has a salary range with a minimum of $71,490, a mid-point of $78,890, and a maximum of $87,390. While other engineering roles may offer higher salaries, this position provides a competitive compensation package within the engineering field.

5. Which engineer is highest paid in USA?

The highest-paid engineers in the USA are typically in fields like Computer Engineering, with an average salary of USD 140,830, followed by IT Engineering at USD 132,930. In contrast, a Civil Infrastructure Engineer earns between USD 71,490 and USD 87,390, with a mid-salary of USD 78,890, reflecting the varying compensation across engineering disciplines.

6. Is infrastructure engineer a good job?

An Infrastructure Engineer role is undeniably a prestigious and rewarding career choice. With salaries ranging from $71,490 to $87,390, it offers competitive compensation. Additionally, opportunities for advancement are strong, providing significant influence and decision-making authority. Overall, it's a promising career path for those interested in civil infrastructure.

7. Can you make 500k as an engineer?

As a Civil Infrastructure Engineer, salaries typically range from $71,490 to $87,390, with a mid-point of $78,890. While it's challenging to reach $500k in this field, focusing on specialized roles or management positions in high-demand areas may increase your earning potential significantly.

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.

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