As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Construction Project Engineer I in the United States is $86,101 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Construction Project Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
A Construction Project 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 Construction Project 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Project Engineer I | 0-2 years | $86,022 |
| Construction Project Engineer - Intermediate | 2-4 years | $100,871 |
| Construction Project Engineer - Senior | 4-7 years | $119,736 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Construction Project Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Project Management | 7.92% |
| RFI | 2.78% |
| Land Development | 1.41% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$95,572 |
11%
|
|
Project Engineering
|
$92,989 |
8%
|
|
RFI
|
$92,989 |
8%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$92,989 |
8%
|
|
Coordination
|
$92,128 |
7%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$92,128 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Construction Project 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 Construction Project Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $79,820 and $89,600).
Construction Project Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 3.4% |
| Associates | 4.5% |
| Bachelors | 75.3% |
| Masters | 16.6% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Construction Project 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 March 01, 2026For a Construction Project Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Construction Project Engineer - Intermediate role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $100,900 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Construction Project Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,136 in 2023 to around $73,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Construction Project Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,136 |
| 2024 | $74,345 |
| 2025 | $73,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Construction Project Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Construction Project Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
While the salary range for a Construction Project Engineer typically falls between $74,301 and $105,701, reaching $300,000 is uncommon in this field. However, highly experienced professionals in leadership roles or specialized areas may command higher salaries, but this is not the standard expectation for most engineers.
While software engineering is highly in demand, construction project engineers also play a crucial role in the industry. With salaries ranging from $74,301 to $105,701, their expertise is essential for managing projects effectively. As infrastructure needs grow, the demand for construction project engineers is expected to rise, making it a valuable career choice.
Yes, but not all construction project engineers will reach that level of compensation. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is $74,301, the mid-salary is $91,301, and the maximum salary is $105,701. To achieve higher earnings, one might consider advancing to senior roles, specializing in high-demand areas, or working for top-tier firms.
Becoming a project engineer is a great option for those who enjoy both the overarching technical aspects and design of a project and the hands-on work of getting that project done. With salaries ranging from $74,301 to $105,701, this career offers competitive compensation, making it an attractive choice for many professionals in the construction industry.
Project Engineer 1 is responsible for overseeing the design and planning of large infrastructure projects. This role involves addressing complex challenges like grid interconnection and transportation planning. The salary for a Construction Project Engineer typically ranges from $74,301 to $105,701, with a midpoint of $91,301, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
The salary for a Construction Project Engineer in the US ranges from a minimum of $74,301 to a maximum of $105,701, with a mid-salary of $91,301 per year. These figures reflect the typical earnings in this role, providing a clear overview of potential compensation in the industry.
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.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
