Civil engineers in the US earn a median of $100,840 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $79,930 and $129,680, and the top 10% earn more than $163,220 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $101,000 to $130,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do civil engineers make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $68,240 |
| 25th | $79,930 |
| Median | $100,840 |
| 75th | $129,680 |
| 90th | $163,220 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Civil Engineers, national, about 367,840 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where civil engineers earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| California | $122,500 | $149,350 |
| Alaska | $114,730 | $134,280 |
| Washington | $110,000 | $133,050 |
| Massachusetts | $106,730 | $134,810 |
| Louisiana | $105,380 | $127,940 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a civil engineer?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $80,000–$101,000 | $106,000 |
| 3–5 years | $101,000–$130,000 | $137,000 |
| 6–10 years | $112,000–$141,000 | $148,000 |
| 10+ years | $130,000–$163,000 | $171,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives civil engineer pay?
Civil engineers design and oversee roads, bridges, water systems and buildings. Pay depends on the PE license, sector (public agencies, consulting firms, contractors), specialty and whether you manage projects or clients.
- PE license and the ability to stamp drawings.
- Public agency pay schedules versus private consulting.
- Specialty: transportation, water, structural, geotechnical.
- Project management and business development responsibilities.
Your leverage as a civil engineer
- A PE license in the employer's state.
- Projects delivered on budget and schedule.
- Client relationships that bring in work.
- Software skills such as Civil 3D.
- Managing junior engineers.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Civil engineer objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “Our pay scale is set by the agency.” | “Which step would my PE and [number] years place me in?” |
| “We'll raise your pay once you get your PE.” | “Can we put the amount and timing in writing?” |
| “Billable targets determine bonuses.” | “What's the target, and what did engineers at my level earn in bonus last year?” |
| “Field work is part of the role.” | “Understood — are travel and per diem paid on top?” |
Sample counter offer for a civil engineer
Thank you — I'm excited about the role. With my PE license and [number] years in [specialty], including [project], I'm asking for a base of [number]. The national median for civil engineers is $100,840.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a civil engineer
Passing the PE is the biggest raise moment. After that, project management and client development are the usual steps.