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Civil Engineer Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for a civil engineer in the United States?
$95,890 per year
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for a civil engineer in the United States is $95,890 annually. The lowest salary is $63,220 annually, and the highest is $150,640 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. The salaries presented here are the 2023 median pay.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 341,800; estimated number of civil engineer jobs in 2023. This number is expected to grow by 22,100 new jobs between now and 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 6% which is faster than the growth of the average career.
Work Environment
💼 Civil engineers typically work in offices and outdoors at construction sites.
🏢 49% of civil engineers work in engineering services.
Civil Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does a Civil Engineer Salary Stack Up?
Civil engineers typically earn $95,890 annually. The good news is that both patent agents and patent attorneys earn much more than the average civil engineer. Patent agents on average earn $35K more with an average salary of $130K annually. Patent attorneys earn approximately $90K more, with average earnings of $185K per year.
It definitely pays for civil engineers to get into patent law. The first step is to take and pass the patent bar exam.
Top Civil Engineer Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil | $200,530 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $150,530 |
| Professional Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | $146,320 |
| Accounting and Payroll Services | $146,040 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $141,520 |
Salary by Civil Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average civil engineer salary is $95,890.
Civil engineers in the Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil industry earn the highest average salary at $200,530. Those in the Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing and Professional Equipment Merchant Wholesalers industries receive average salaries of $150,530 and $146,320, respectively. The Accounting and Payroll Services and Oil and Gas Extraction industries offer slightly lower average salaries, at $146,040 and $141,520.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of a civil engineer:
- Gathering Information — Observing, receiving, and collecting information from all pertinent sources.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving — Analyzing data and evaluating outcomes to select the best solution and resolve issues.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Sharing information with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates via phone, written communication, email, or in person.
- Drafting and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Creating documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to guide others on fabricating, constructing, assembling, modifying, maintaining, or using devices, parts, equipment, or structures.
- Assessing Information for Compliance — Utilizing relevant data and personal judgment to verify if events or processes adhere to laws, regulations, or standards.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as a civil engineer:
- Active Listening — Paying close attention to others’ words, comprehending their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding interruptions when inappropriate.
- Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate issues, analyzing related information, and developing and assessing options to implement effective solutions.
- Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to evaluate the pros and cons of different solutions, conclusions, or problem approaches.
- Mathematics — Applying mathematical skills to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Knowledge required to work as a civil engineer:
- Design — Understanding design techniques, tools, and principles for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Engineering and Technology — Comprehension of engineering science and technology application, including principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment for designing and producing various products and services.
- Building and Construction — Familiarity with materials, methods, and tools used in constructing or repairing houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
- Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
- English Language — Mastery of English language structure and content, including word meanings, spelling, composition rules, and grammar.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 86% of civil engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 10% have a Master’s degree, and 5% have a post-baccalaureate certificate.
Top Civil Engineer Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Civil engineers in San Jose, CA, earned the highest average salary among the cities listed, at $129,860. San Francisco, CA, and Sacramento, CA, follow with average salaries of $125,990 and $123,730, respectively. Redding, CA, and New York, NY, offer slightly lower average salaries, at $118,620 and $117,890.
Civil engineers in California earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $115,100. New York follows closely with an average salary of $113,610, while Alaska offers $110,940. Louisiana and Massachusetts provide slightly lower average salaries, at $109,770 and $108,320, respectively.
Take a look at the average civil engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $129,860 |
| San Francisco, CA | $125,990 |
| Sacramento, CA | $123,730 |
| Redding, CA | $118,620 |
| New York, NY | $117,890 |
Look at the average civil engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $115,100 |
| New York | $113,610 |
| Alaska | $110,940 |
| Louisiana | $109,770 |
| Massachusetts | $108,320 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.
Average of $99,510/year