Civil engineering is a cornerstone profession that designs, builds, and maintains the world we live in—from towering skyscrapers and resilient bridges to the clean water systems in our homes. For those considering this vital career path, a key question is, "What can I expect to earn?" The good news is that a career in civil engineering is not only impactful but also financially rewarding, with competitive starting salaries and significant potential for long-term growth.
An entry-level civil engineer can typically expect a starting salary ranging from $68,000 to $82,000 per year, with a national median salary for all civil engineers hovering around $90,990 annually. This article will break down what a starting salary for civil engineering looks like and explore the key factors that can influence your earning potential.
What Does a Civil Engineer Do?
Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand the role. Civil engineers are the master planners and designers of modern infrastructure. Their responsibilities are vast and varied, but generally include:
- Analyzing survey reports, maps, and other data to plan projects.
- Designing structures and systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software and building information modeling (BIM).
- Managing construction projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to code.
- Testing building materials, such as concrete or asphalt, to ensure quality and durability.
- Maintaining public works like roads, bridges, dams, and water supply systems.
They are problem-solvers who blend creative design with technical precision to ensure public safety and improve quality of life.
Average Civil Engineering Salary
Salary data shows a promising financial trajectory for civil engineers. While starting salaries are strong, earnings grow substantially with experience and specialization.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for civil engineers was $90,990 in May 2023. This figure represents the midpoint—half of all civil engineers earned more than this, and half earned less. The full salary spectrum provides a clear picture of career progression:
- Lowest 10%: Earned less than $62,490 (typically entry-level or junior positions).
- Median (50%): $90,990.
- Highest 10%: Earned more than $146,050 (typically senior, principal, or management roles).
For starting salaries specifically, reputable salary aggregators provide a more focused look:
- Payscale.com reports an average entry-level salary for a Civil Engineer at approximately $69,500 per year.
- Salary.com places the typical range for a Civil Engineer I (0-2 years of experience) between $70,147 and $80,684.
- Glassdoor lists a national average base pay of around $78,000 per year for entry-level positions, with total pay potentially higher when factoring in bonuses.
This data confirms that a newly graduated civil engineer with a bachelor's degree can expect a competitive starting salary well above the national average for all occupations.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your starting salary isn't set in stone. Several key factors can significantly impact your initial offer and long-term earning potential.
###
Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) is the standard requirement for entering the field. However, advanced education can provide a notable salary boost. Earning a Master of Science (M.S.) degree can make you eligible for more specialized roles in areas like geotechnical or structural engineering, often leading to a higher starting salary. Furthermore, obtaining your Professional Engineer (PE) license is one of the most significant milestones for career and salary advancement. While it requires at least four years of work experience, engineers with a PE license can command significantly higher salaries and take on roles with greater responsibility.
###
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the single biggest driver of salary growth in civil engineering. As you gain practical skills and manage more complex projects, your value to employers increases dramatically. Payscale provides a clear illustration of this progression:
- Entry-Level (0-1 year): ~$69,500
- Early Career (1-4 years): ~$76,000
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): ~$91,000
- Experienced (10-19 years): ~$106,000
- Late Career (20+ years): ~$115,000+
###
Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for civil engineers vary widely by state and metropolitan area, often due to differences in cost of living, demand, and the number of large-scale infrastructure projects. According to BLS data from May 2023, the top-paying states for civil engineers include:
1. California: Annual Mean Wage of $118,230
2. Texas: Annual Mean Wage of $108,710
3. New York: Annual Mean Wage of $106,090
4. Alaska: Annual Mean Wage of $105,730
5. Washington: Annual Mean Wage of $104,120
Working in a major metropolitan area with significant ongoing construction and development will almost always result in a higher salary than working in a rural region.
###
Company Type
The type of organization you work for also plays a role.
- Private Sector Engineering & Consulting Firms: These firms often offer the most competitive salaries and performance-based bonuses to attract top talent for a wide range of client projects.
- Public Sector (Government): Federal, state, and local government positions may offer slightly lower starting salaries, but they often compensate with excellent benefits packages, retirement plans, job security, and a better work-life balance. The federal government, for instance, is a top employer of civil engineers and offers a mean wage of $104,920 (BLS, May 2023).
- Construction: Civil engineers who work directly for large construction companies, especially in management roles, have high earning potential that is often tied to project success.
###
Area of Specialization
Civil engineering is a broad field with many sub-disciplines. Your chosen specialization can affect your salary, as some areas are more niche or in higher demand. Some of the common specializations include:
- Structural Engineering: Focuses on the design of buildings, bridges, and other large structures.
- Transportation Engineering: Involves the planning and design of highways, airports, and public transit systems.
- Geotechnical Engineering: Deals with the behavior of earth materials like soil and rock, critical for foundations and tunnels.
- Environmental Engineering: Focuses on improving environmental health, including water and air pollution control.
- Water Resources Engineering: Manages water systems, including supply, drainage, and hydroelectric power.
Specializations like structural and geotechnical engineering often command higher salaries due to the high level of technical expertise and responsibility required.
Job Outlook
The future for civil engineers is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for civil engineers will grow by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is fueled by a critical need to manage, repair, and upgrade the nation's aging infrastructure. Population growth and a rising focus on renewable energy projects (like wind farms and solar facilities) will also create sustained demand for qualified civil engineers. This strong job outlook ensures that a degree in this field will remain a valuable asset for years to come.
Conclusion
A career in civil engineering offers a powerful combination of purpose, challenge, and financial stability. A starting salary for civil engineering is robust, typically falling between $68,000 and $82,000, with a clear and achievable path toward a six-figure income.
For aspiring engineers, the key takeaways are clear:
- Your degree is a valuable investment with a strong and immediate return.
- Pursue a PE license as a primary goal for long-term career advancement.
- Be strategic about your location and specialization, as they can significantly impact your earnings.
- Never stop learning, as gaining experience and staying current with technology will continuously increase your professional value.
If you are passionate about building a better, safer, and more efficient world, a career in civil engineering is an excellent choice that promises both personal and professional rewards.