As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Civil Engineering Director in the United States is $195,936 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.
However, a Civil Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Civil Engineering Director'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Civil Engineering Director'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 Engineering Supervisor II | 3-5 years | $116,517 |
| Civil Engineering Manager | 5+ years | $143,343 |
| Civil Engineering Senior Manager | 5+ years | $174,053 |
| Civil Engineering Director | 5+ years | $195,936 |
| SVP of Civil Engineering | 5+ years | $243,499 |
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 Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Civil Engineering Director'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, 2026For a Civil Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the SVP of Civil Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $243,499 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
Salaries for a Civil Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $189,686 in 2023 to around $188,363 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Civil Engineering Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $189,686 |
| 2024 | $189,821 |
| 2025 | $188,363 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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A Civil Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Civil Engineering Director is $247,134.
The highest pay for Civil Engineering Director is $222,165.
The lowest pay for Civil Engineering Director is $168,903.
Directs a department of civil engineers and their projects. Oversees the design effectiveness and structural reliability of major projects. Approves overall schedules and ensures procedures are in place so that work is completed on time. Establishes quality control and safety policies. Manages new critical project partners and helps foster relationships between management and those new business prospects. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Requires Professional Engineer License (PE). Typically reports to senior management. Manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
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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