As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Transportation Engineer in the United States is $105,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Senior Transportation Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Senior Transportation Engineer'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 Senior Transportation Engineer'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineer, Entry - Transportation | 0-2 years | $68,481 |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | 2-4 years | $87,234 |
| Senior Transportation Engineer | 4-7 years | $105,824 |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | 7+ years | $123,006 |
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 Senior Transportation Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.22% |
| AutoCAD | 1.94% |
| Programming | 1.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Java
|
$128,140 |
21%
|
|
API
|
$120,727 |
14%
|
|
Team Development
|
$116,491 |
10%
|
|
Electrical Engineering
|
$115,432 |
9%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$115,432 |
9%
|
|
Networking
|
$114,373 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Senior Transportation Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Senior Transportation Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $97,877 and $107,388).
Senior Transportation Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.3% |
| High School | 1.3% |
| Associates | 1.3% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 57.5% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Senior Transportation Engineer'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Senior Transportation Engineer, 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/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | $123,940 | 17% |
| Specialist Structural Engineer | $124,000 | 17% |
| Engineer, Specialist - Transportation | $123,100 | 16% |
Salaries for a Senior Transportation Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,624 in 2023 to around $108,904 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Senior Transportation Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,624 |
| 2024 | $109,439 |
| 2025 | $108,904 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Senior Transportation Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The salary for a Senior Transportation Engineer in the USA ranges from a minimum of $90,201 to a maximum of $123,401, with a mid-salary of $107,401. This translates to an annual salary of approximately $7,517 to $10,283 monthly, reflecting the competitive nature of this role in the transportation sector.
As of now, the average annual salary for a Senior Transportation Engineer in the United States ranges from $90,201 to $123,401, with a midpoint of $107,401. This translates to approximately $43.34 to $59.29 per hour, or $1,738 to $2,365 per week, and $7,533 to $10,546 per month.
As of now, the average salary for a Senior Transportation Engineer with 15 years of experience in the United States ranges from $90,201 to $123,401, with a midpoint of $107,401. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of experience and expertise.
A lead engineer is typically regarded as a higher position than a senior engineer. This role often entails overseeing a team or project, making critical technical decisions, and ensuring project objectives are achieved. In terms of salary, a senior transportation engineer earns between $90,201 and $123,401, while a lead engineer may command a higher compensation package.
Senior Transportation Engineers earn between $90,201 and $123,401 annually, with a median salary of $107,401. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the field, providing a competitive compensation for professionals in this role.
While many engineering roles can offer high salaries, positions like Project Manager for WWTP, Software Engineer in Colorado, and Senior Machine Learning Engineer often reach or exceed $200,000 annually. However, a Senior Transportation Engineer typically earns between $90,201 and $123,401, with a mid-salary of $107,401, which is below the $200k mark.
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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