As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil Engineer III in the United States is $105,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Civil Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Civil 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Civil 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer I | 0-2 years | $74,149 |
| Civil Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,287 |
| Civil Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,823 |
| Civil Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,940 |
| Civil Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,039 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.97% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.33% |
| Diversity and Inclusion | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interviewing
|
$110,056 |
4%
|
|
Career Development
|
$107,939 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$107,939 |
2%
|
|
Project Design
|
$107,939 |
2%
|
|
Building Relationships
|
$107,939 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$107,939 |
2%
|
Civil Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,362. While startup companies pay approximate $100,099.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,099 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $105,870 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,301 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,362 |
For Civil 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 Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Civil Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $132,279 | $64.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $126,988 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Transportation | $124,871 | $60.0 | 18% |
| Financial Services | $121,696 | $59.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $118,522 | $57.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Civil 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 Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $108,279 and $115,233).
Civil Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Civil 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 June 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Civil 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineer IV | $123,940 | 17% |
| Structural Engineer IV | $123,940 | 17% |
| Transportation Engineer IV | $123,009 | 16% |
Salaries for a Civil Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $109,624 in 2023 to around $108,886 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Civil Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $109,624 |
| 2024 | $109,542 |
| 2025 | $108,886 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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A Civil Engineer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Civil Engineer III is $133,475.
The highest pay for Civil Engineer III is $121,920.
The lowest pay for Civil Engineer III is $89,794.
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. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. May require Professional Engineer License (PE). Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Civil Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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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