Civil Engineering Salary Breakdown: What You Can Expect by Career Stage

While salary varies by location, industry, and experience, understanding what you can expect at each stage of your career can help you make smarter decisions, whether you're job hunting, negotiating a raise, or planning your long-term path. In this post, we break down civil engineering salary ranges by career stage and share a few tips to maximize your income. Certain disciplines within civil engineering tend to earn more based on market demand. For example, the typical salary range for construction/project management is higher than for geotechnical engineering and water resources/environmental.

Salary data in general can vary depending on the reporting source, geographic region, sector of employment, and level of experience. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2023 Civil Engineering Salary Report, the median base salary for civil engineers in 2022 was $124,000. Engineers who held a Professional Engineer (PE) license earned nearly $30,000 more than their non-licensed counterparts, emphasizing the value of licensure for both career advancement and income growth.

The salary figures in this post are presented as general average ranges based on common career paths in civil engineering. Keep in mind that there are always outliers since some professionals may earn significantly more or less depending on a variety of factors.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer (0–2 Years)

Average Salary: $55,000–$75,000/year

Titles: Civil Engineer I, Staff Engineer, E.I.T. (Engineer in Training)

Factors like internships, your FE certification, and software skills (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc.) can push your offer higher.

Tips to increase your entry-level offer:

• Pass the FE exam before graduation

• Highlight internships or co-ops on your resume

• Gain experience with design software and construction plans

Mid-Level Civil Engineer (3–6 Years)

Average Salary: $75,000–$100,000/year

Titles: Civil Engineer II, Project Engineer, Design Engineer, Assistant Project Manager

With a few years of experience, you’ll likely take on more complex design work, manage small projects, and start interacting with clients or city officials. At this stage, having your P.E. license can make a big difference.

What affects your pay at this level:

• Earning a P.E. license

• Working in high-demand sectors

• Moving into project management roles

Senior Civil Engineer (7–15 Years)

Average Salary: $100,000–$125,000/year

Titles: Senior Civil Engineer, Project Manager, Lead Engineer, Senior Design Engineer

Senior engineers are responsible for managing large projects, mentoring junior staff, and often making big technical or budget decisions. This is where leadership skills start to matter as much as technical ability.

Maximize your salary by:

• Earning additional credentials

• Developing client relationships and bringing in new work

• Learning to manage budgets, teams, and contracts

Civil Engineering Management & Principal Roles (15+ Years)

Average Salary: $125,000–$185,000+/year

Titles: Engineering Manager, Principal Engineer, Director of Engineering, VP, Partner

At this level, you may manage entire departments, lead multiple projects, or even own part of a firm. Compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or equity, especially in private firms.

Ways to reach this level faster:

• Master both engineering and business skills

• Build a strong professional network

• Take ownership of projects, proposals, and leadership roles early in your career

Tips to Increase Your Salary at Any Stage

1. Get Licensed: Becoming a P.E. is one of the biggest pay boosters in civil engineering.

2. Learn Business Skills: Engineers who understand budgeting, contracts, and client management often move into higher-paying leadership roles.

3. Be Open to Relocation: Moving to a different city or state can significantly increase your earning potential.

4. Pursue In-Demand Certifications: PMP, CCM, and ASCE board certifications can lead to faster promotions.

5. Ask for Raises Strategically: Keep track of your accomplishments and take initiative on projects so you can make a strong case during performance reviews.

Final Thoughts

If you're serious about taking control of your civil engineering career, check out our handbook Building a Career in Civil Engineering, which offers practical guidance on career planning, crafting a standout resume, job searching strategically, preparing for interviews, and negotiating salary with confidence. As a bonus, the handbook includes a chapter on maximizing earning potential, whether through professional development to advance your primary career or by exploring a variety of ways to leverage your civil engineering background for side income.