As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil Engineer I in the United States is $74,145 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Civil Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Civil 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 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 Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,145 |
| Civil Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,290 |
| Civil Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,824 |
| Civil Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,932 |
| Civil Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,042 |
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 Civil Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.8% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.69% |
| CPR | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Analysis
|
$80,077 |
8%
|
|
CPR
|
$80,077 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$78,594 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$76,369 |
3%
|
|
Installation
|
$76,369 |
3%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$76,369 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil 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 Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $73,720 and $78,018).
Civil Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| 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 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 April 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Civil 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 Engineer II | $90,290 | 22% |
| Structural Engineer II | $87,239 | 18% |
| Transportation Engineer II | $87,239 | 18% |
Salaries for a Civil 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 Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,708 |
| 2024 | $73,779 |
| 2025 | $73,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Civil Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Civil Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Civil Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Civil Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Civil Engineer I is $93,519.
The highest pay for Civil Engineer I is $85,038.
The lowest pay for Civil Engineer I is $64,109.
Plans, designs, and supervises the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects such as airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads, or roads. Analyzes the design effectiveness and structural reliability of major projects including assessing and testing materials. Performs the necessary data collection and calculations in areas such as traffic forecasting, soil capacity, groundwater analysis, and structure design. Estimates costs including personnel and material needs, prepares proposals, and establishes completion dates. May also assist in inspecting aging infrastructure or overseeing improvement projects. May participate in an engineering or professional development program. May be working towards obtaining a Professional Engineer License (PE). Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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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