Civil Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Infrastructure, PE license premium, and sector comparison
Average Civil Engineer Salary
How Much Do Civil Engineers Earn in 2025?
Civil engineers are infrastructure professionals who plan, design, and supervise construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, water systems, and public facilities. They build the foundation of modern society.
2025 civil engineer salaries show solid earning potential: average $79,540, with entry-level starting at $65,501 and experienced PEs earning $95,000–$120,000+. The PE license premium is significant—Professional Engineers earn 15–30% more than unlicensed engineers with the same experience.
Specialization, sector (public vs private), and region significantly impact earnings. Structural and geotechnical engineers often earn the most among civil specializations. Senior civil engineers with PE licenses can reach $100K+ comfortably. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience and PE licensure drive significant salary growth:
| Experience Level | Average Salary | PE License Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $65,501 | Not yet eligible |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $73,111 | Preparing for exam |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $85,000–$100,000 | PE premium begins |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $95,000–$120,000 | PE essential |
| Late-career (20+ years) | $105,000–$140,000+ | PE + reputation |
Entry-Level Civil Engineer (<1 Year)
Average total compensation: $65,501 (based on 926 salaries)
Focus: Learning fundamentals, supporting senior engineers, CAD work, site visits.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
Average total compensation: $73,111 (based on 3,866 salaries)
Focus: Independent project work, design responsibilities, EIT status preparing for PE exam.
Mid-Career (5–9 Years)
Estimated: $85,000–$100,000
Focus: Project management, PE licensure, technical leadership. Most engineers obtain their PE license during this period.
Experienced (10–19 Years)
Estimated: $95,000–$120,000
Focus: Senior project roles, client relationships, mentoring juniors.
Late-Career (20+ Years)
Estimated: $105,000–$140,000+
Focus: Principal engineer, department leadership, business development.
Civil Engineer Salary by Specialization
Civil engineering disciplines vary significantly in compensation:
| Civil Engineering Specialization | Typical Salary Range | Why This Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineering | $85,000–$130,000 | Highest complexity, liability |
| Geotechnical Engineering | $80,000–$125,000 | Specialized knowledge, field work |
| Construction Management | $80,000–$120,000 | Project delivery responsibility |
| Transportation Engineering | $75,000–$115,000 | Infrastructure scale |
| Water Resources/Environmental | $75,000–$110,000 | Essential infrastructure |
| Municipal/Public Works | $70,000–$105,000 | Government sector, benefits |
| General Civil Engineer | $79,540 avg | Baseline civil salary |
Structural Engineering (Highest-Paying)
Typical range: $85,000–$130,000
Focus: Building design, bridge engineering, seismic analysis, load calculations
Highest-paying civil specialty due to complex calculations, high liability, and specialized expertise. PE license typically required.
Geotechnical Engineering
Typical range: $80,000–$125,000
Focus: Soil mechanics, foundation design, slope stability, ground improvement
Strong pay due to specialized knowledge, field testing requirements, and project risk assessment.
Transportation Engineering
Typical range: $75,000–$115,000
Focus: Highway design, traffic engineering, pavement design, transportation planning
Water Resources/Environmental Engineering
Typical range: $75,000–$110,000
Focus: Water supply, wastewater, stormwater management, flood control
Stable demand due to essential infrastructure and regulatory compliance requirements.
PE License Salary Premium
The Professional Engineer (PE) license significantly impacts civil engineer compensation:
| Career Stage | Without PE License | With PE License | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-career (8 years) | $80,000–$90,000 | $95,000–$115,000 | +19–28% |
| Senior (15 years) | $90,000–$105,000 | $110,000–$140,000 | +22–33% |
| Principal (20+ years) | Limited advancement | $130,000–$180,000+ | PE required |
PE License Benefits
Salary premium: Licensed PEs earn 15–30% more than unlicensed civil engineers with same experience
Career requirement: PE license required for advancement to senior/principal roles in most firms
Legal authority: Only PEs can stamp and seal engineering drawings, approve designs
Job security: PE license significantly expands job opportunities and career mobility
Path to PE License
1. Complete ABET-accredited engineering degree
2. Pass FE exam (Fundamentals of Engineering) → become Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
3. Gain 4 years relevant work experience under licensed PE supervision
4. Pass PE exam (Principles and Practice of Engineering)
5. Obtain state license and maintain through continuing education
Investment ROI
Exam prep costs: $1,500–$3,000
Study time: 200–400 hours
Career earnings increase: $300,000–$600,000 over career (conservative estimate)
ROI: Exceptional; pays back investment within 1–2 years
Public vs. Private Sector Civil Engineer Salaries
Government and private sector offer different compensation packages:
| Factor | Private Sector | Public Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $75K–$130K | $65K–$110K |
| Salary Premium | 10–20% higher | Baseline |
| Benefits | Standard (401k, healthcare) | Excellent (pension, superior benefits) |
| Work-Life Balance | Demanding, long hours | Better balance, regular schedule |
| Job Security | Moderate, market-dependent | Excellent, layoffs rare |
| Advancement | Merit-based, faster | Structured, slower |
| Student Loan Forgiveness | Not eligible | PSLF eligible after 10 years |
Private Sector
Typical pay range: $75,000–$130,000 depending on experience
Pros: Higher base salaries, faster advancement, diverse project types, merit-based bonuses
Cons: Longer hours, deadline pressure, less job security
Public Sector
Typical pay range: $65,000–$110,000 depending on level and location
Pros: Excellent benefits (pension, healthcare), job security, work-life balance, PSLF eligibility
Cons: Lower cash compensation, slower advancement, bureaucracy
Total Value Comparison
Private sector engineer at $100K receives standard 401(k) and healthcare. Government engineer at $85K receives pension (worth $20K–$30K annually), superior healthcare, and job security. Effective total value is often comparable when benefits are factored.
What Civil Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Site analysis, design calculations, CAD drawings, project specifications, construction oversight, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and client communication.
Project Phases
Preliminary design, detailed design, permitting, construction administration, and project closeout.
Essential Tools
AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit (BIM), MicroStation, engineering calculation software, and project management platforms.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
Infrastructure investment, aging infrastructure replacement, and climate adaptation projects drive sustained demand. BLS projects growth about as fast as average for all occupations.
Career Progression
Civil Engineer → Senior Civil Engineer (with PE) → Project Manager → Principal Engineer → Director of Engineering → VP/Partner
How to Increase Your Civil Engineer Salary
Get PE License
Adds 15–30% salary premium immediately—the single biggest lever for civil engineers.
Specialize in High-Paying Disciplines
Structural and geotechnical engineering pay $85K–$130K, well above general civil roles.
Gain Experience
Late-career engineers earn $105K–$140K+ versus $65K entry-level.
Move to Private Sector
Private firms pay 10–20% more than government in base salary.
Target High-Cost Metros
Coastal cities and major infrastructure hubs pay 20–40% premiums.
Develop Project Management Skills
Transition from technical to PM roles increases compensation.
Pursue Advanced Certifications
SE (Structural Engineering), LEED AP, and PMP add value.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average civil engineer salary in 2025?
Civil engineers average $79,540 nationally. Entry-level earns $65,501, early career $73,111, and experienced engineers with PE licenses earn $95,000–$140,000+.
How much do entry-level civil engineers make?
Entry-level civil engineers (<1 year experience) earn average total compensation of $65,501 based on PayScale data from 926 salary reports.
How much more do PEs earn than unlicensed civil engineers?
Professional Engineers earn 15–30% more than unlicensed engineers with the same experience. A mid-career engineer without PE earns $80K–$90K versus $95K–$115K with PE—a difference of $15,000–$25,000 annually.
Do private sector civil engineers earn more than government?
Private sector pays 10–20% higher base salaries ($75K–$130K versus $65K–$110K). However, government offers excellent benefits (pension worth $20K–$30K annually), job security, and PSLF eligibility, making total compensation often comparable.
Which civil engineering specialization pays the most?
Structural engineering pays the most at $85,000–$130,000, followed by geotechnical engineering at $80,000–$125,000. These specializations command premiums due to technical complexity and liability.