How Much Does a Civil Engineering make?

Civil Engineering made a median salary around $78,165 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $86,630 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $70,881. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Civil Engineering

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Civil Engineering profession are Boulder , Eldorado Springs , Jamestown , Louisville , Niwot .
Boulder, CO $83,159
Eldorado Springs, CO $83,159
Jamestown, CO $83,159
Louisville, CO $83,159
Niwot, CO $83,159

Best-Paying States for Civil Engineering

The states and districts that pay Civil Engineering the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $88,233) , California (around $87,440) , New Jersey (around $86,885) , Alaska (around $86,330) , and Massachusetts (around $86,251) .
District of Columbia $88,233
California $87,440
New Jersey $86,885
Alaska $86,330
Massachusetts $86,251

What is the Career Path of Civil Engineering?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Civil Engineering, the first career path typically starts with a Civil Engineer II position , and then progresses to Civil Engineer III.

The second career path typically starts with a Structural Engineer II position , and then progresses to Structural Engineer III.

Additionally, the third career path typically starts with a Transportation Engineer II position , and then progresses to Transportation Engineer III.

Frequently Asked Questions for Civil Engineering

Q: What is the salary range of Civil Engineering in Fort Collins, CO?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Civil Engineering in Fort Collins, CO earned an average annual salary of $70,881 , while the highest-paid made $86,630.
Q: What is the salary for a Civil Engineering in California?
A: Civil Engineering employed in California earned an average salary of $87,440 in 2024.

Average Civil Engineering Pay vs. Other Jobs

Civil Engineering earned an average salary of $78,165 in 2024. Other jobs related to Civil Engineering earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Head of Civil Engineering made $270,211 , Civil Engineering Technician II made $61,393 , Civil Engineering Technician I and Civil Engineering Technician III made $55,913 and $73,665 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Civil Engineering

Head of Civil Engineering - Average Salary $270,211
Head of Civil Engineering provides strategic leadership for civil engineering projects and teams. Ensures objectives and decision-making align with the overall organizational short-term and long-term goals. Being a Head of Civil Engineering oversees resource allocation and key staffing decisions. Assess and evaluates new business opportunities and makes recommendations about new business. Additionally, Head of Civil Engineering establishes rigorous policies and procedures to attain consistent regulatory compliance and to facilitate quality, safety, and productivity in operations. Has deep and broad engineering knowledge and experience. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent. May require Professional Engineer License (PE). Typically reports to top management. The Head of Civil Engineering manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a Head of Civil Engineering typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.
Civil Engineering Technician II - Average Salary $61,393
Civil Engineering Technician II assists civil engineers in the planning, designing, and building of infrastructure and development projects. Helps engineers in the planning of construction projects such as airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads, and roads. Being a Civil Engineering Technician II estimates workload to establish project deadlines and helps prepare proposals and cost estimates. May be responsible for recommending maintenance, repair, and preparing reports for review by an engineer. Additionally, Civil Engineering Technician II requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Civil Engineering Technician II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Civil Engineering Technician II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Civil Engineering Technician I - Average Salary $55,913
Civil Engineering Technician I assists civil engineers in the planning, designing, and building of infrastructure and development projects. Helps engineers in the planning of construction projects such as airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads, and roads. Being a Civil Engineering Technician I estimates workload to establish project deadlines and helps prepare proposals and cost estimates. May be responsible for recommending maintenance, repair, and preparing reports for review by an engineer. Additionally, Civil Engineering Technician I requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Civil Engineering Technician I works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Civil Engineering Technician III - Average Salary $73,665
Civil Engineering Technician III assists civil engineers in the planning, designing, and building of infrastructure and development projects. Helps engineers in the planning of construction projects such as airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads, and roads. Being a Civil Engineering Technician III estimates workload to establish project deadlines and helps prepare proposals and cost estimates. May be responsible for recommending maintenance, repair, and preparing reports for review by an engineer. Additionally, Civil Engineering Technician III requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Civil Engineering Technician III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Civil Engineering Technician III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Civil Engineering Manager - Average Salary $161,070
Civil Engineering Manager manages a team of civil engineers who design and develop construction projects such as airports, bridges, channels, dams, railroads, and roads. Reviews and analyzes the design effectiveness and structural reliability of major projects. Being a Civil Engineering Manager approves cost reports, equipment records, engineering reports, and project construction schedules. Ensures policies, practices and procedures are strictly observed. Additionally, Civil Engineering Manager assesses new potential projects and briefs civil engineers on new worksites and projects. Oversees inspections of aging or compromised structures and improvement projects and provides recommendations for next steps. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. Requires Professional Engineer License (PE). Typically reports to a director. The Civil Engineering Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Civil Engineering Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.