Senior Civil Engineer Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Understanding senior civil engineer salary trends is essential for those pursuing this career or aiming to stay competitive in the industry. As of April 2025, the national average senior civil engineer salary in the United States is $105,843 per year, with opportunities for growth depending on various factors.
A senior civil engineer's salary can vary significantly based on experience, industry, job title, and location. This salary guide tackles these factors, provides insights into salary trends, and examines the job outlook for the coming years.
An Overview of Senior Civil Engineer Salaries
So, how much does a senior civil engineer make? In the United States, the average senior civil engineer salary, as of April 2025, is $105,843 per year or $51 per hour. And the typical senior civil engineer salary ranges from $91,133 to $124,030.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $91,133 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,143 |
| 50th Percentile | $105,843 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,363 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,030 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that civil engineer salaries including the senior position, differ based on the industry.
For instance, senior civil engineers in the Federal government, excluding postal service can earn $108,680, while those in nonresidential building construction typically make $78,890 per year.
- Federal government, excluding postal service: $108,680
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $103,920
- Engineering services: $96,110
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: $93,390
- Nonresidential building construction: $78,890
Senior Civil Engineer Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
The senior civil engineer salary can be broken down into hourly, weekly, monthly, and yearly amounts. According to Salary.com report, the average pay rate for this role in the United States is $51 per hour, $2,035 per week, or $8,820 per month.
- Average salary per hour: $51
- Average salary per week: $2,035
- Average salary per month: $8,820
- Average salary per year: $105,843
As mentioned earlier, senior civil engineer salaries in the United States vary based on location, experience, and education. The following sections will explore these factors in detail.
How Experience Impacts Senior Civil Engineers Salaries
Experience significantly impacts the salary of senior civil engineers in the United States. As shown below, salary differences between experience levels are notable.
Salary.com salary data indicates that an entry-level senior civil engineer earns approximately $8,847 less than an expert-level senior civil engineer. A senior civil engineer with the most experience earns an average of $111,262 per year.
- Entry Level Senior Civil Engineer: $102,415
- Intermediate Level Senior Civil Engineer: $102,990
- Senior Level Senior Civil Engineer: $104,139
- Specialist Level Senior Civil Engineer: $108,705
- Expert Level Senior Civil Engineer: $111,262
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Senior Civil Engineers
Each state or territory also has different average salaries for senior civil engineers due to the cost of living and demand. Based on the data, the District of Columbia has the highest average annual salary for senior civil engineers in the United States, at $117,193 per year.
While the state of California secured the second spot with an average yearly salary of $116,743, Massachusetts follows closely at $115,193 per year.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $117,193 |
| California | $116,743 |
| Massachusetts | $115,193 |
| Washington | $114,773 |
| New Jersey | $114,723 |
| Alaska | $114,573 |
| New York | $112,523 |
| Hawaii | $110,633 |
| Rhode Island | $109,743 |
| Maryland | $109,143 |
| Delaware | $107,193 |
| Minnesota | $108,313 |
| Colorado | $107,993 |
| Illinois | $107,893 |
| Oregon | $107,483 |
| New Hampshire | $107,003 |
| Connecticut | $113,113 |
| North Dakota | $104,553 |
| Nevada | $104,753 |
| Michigan | $104,243 |
| North Carolina | $100,583 |
| Texas | $103,243 |
| Vermont | $103,893 |
| Maine | $103,203 |
| Arizona | $103,133 |
| Ohio | $103,063 |
| Wisconsin | $104,123 |
| Kansas | $100,793 |
| Iowa | $101,293 |
| Indiana | $101,603 |
| Utah | $101,363 |
| Florida | $100,153 |
| Missouri | $100,563 |
| Louisiana | $100,643 |
| Georgia | $102,093 |
| Tennessee | $98,913 |
| Montana | $99,933 |
| Kentucky | $99,603 |
| South Carolina | $99,183 |
| Nebraska | $99,723 |
| Idaho | $98,813 |
| New Mexico | $98,033 |
| South Dakota | $96,193 |
| West Virginia | $95,313 |
| Mississippi | $94,393 |
| Arkansas | $95,623 |
| Alabama | $97,243 |
Senior Civil Engineer Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
According to Salary.com data, the highest-paying cities for senior civil engineers in the United States are San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, all located in California.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $133,503 |
| San Francisco, CA | $132,183 |
| Oakland, CA | $129,253 |
| New York, NY | $122,663 |
| Queens Village, NY | $121,873 |
| Paramus, NJ | $121,023 |
Explore Senior Civil Engineer Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to their basic pay, senior civil engineers often receive benefits and rewards. According to the Salary.com data, the average total compensation of senior civil engineers is $147,597 per year, which includes benefits like healthcare and time off.
- Social Security: $8,097
- 401K/403B: $4,445
- Disability: $2,117
- Healthcare: $8,352
- Pension: $5,716
- Time Off: $13,027
- Total Compensation: $147,597
Senior Civil Engineer Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
A senior civil engineer is responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, buildings, tunnels, and water systems. They ensure that these projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
Apart from these responsibilities, other key duties include:
- Analyzing plans, survey reports, maps, and other data related to project design.
- Consider regulations, site selection, and other factors relevant to a project.
- Analyzing the results of tests on soil and building materials to determine the strength for foundations and other supports.
- Preparing cost estimates for equipment, materials, and labor to assess a project’s feasibility.
- Using design software to plan transportation systems, hydraulic systems, and structures.
- Submitting permit applications to local, state, and federal agencies, as needed, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Performing or overseeing surveying to establish building locations, site layouts, grades, and elevations.
- Managing the construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of buildings and infrastructure.
- Collaborating with architects, construction managers, and urban planners to ensure project success.
Senior civil engineers work throughout all phases of a project, from the initial planning stages to post-construction inspections and completion. Their goal is to ensure that all structures and systems are safe, sustainable, and built according to specifications. Some senior civil engineers may specialize in areas like construction, geotechnical, structural, or transportation engineering.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Senior Civil Engineer?
If you're employed as a senior civil engineer and believe you deserve a raise, here's a guide on when and how to make your request effectively.
- Demonstrate Your Value: Showcase your experience, certifications, and specialized skills. Highlight your contributions to the company, such as successfully managing major projects, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, or leading a team of engineers in the design or construction of infrastructure. Extra duties, such as mentoring junior engineers or innovating processes, can also strengthen your position in the job market.
- Pick the Right Timing: Request a salary review when the company is in a strong financial position or after successfully completing a major project. Completing a large infrastructure project, such as a new bridge or road system, is a perfect example of an accomplishment to highlight. Another good opportunity is during your annual performance review when salary discussions are more common.
- Arrange a Formal Discussion: Schedule a dedicated meeting with your employer or manager to talk about your compensation. Avoid bringing it up during casual conversations or in busy periods. A structured discussion signals professionalism and ensures your request gets the attention it deserves.
- Support Your Request with Data: Research industry salary benchmarks for senior civil engineers in your region and compare them with your current pay. For instance, as of April 2025, the average salary for civil engineers in the United States varies depending on the specialization, but typically ranges from $91,133 to $124,030 annually, with more experienced or specialized engineers earning significantly more. Highlight your expertise, recent project successes, and any certifications or advanced training to justify your request for a raise.
Why Does a Senior Civil Engineer Make So Much?
A senior civil engineer earns a high salary due to the extensive education, training, and responsibility required for this profession. Senior civil engineers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field, and many pursue certifications or advanced degrees to specialize in areas like structural or geotechnical engineering. Additionally, civil engineers may earn licensure as Professional Engineers (PE), which often leads to higher earning potential.
Also, some senior civil engineers have in-demand skills that can make them eligible for higher earning potential. According to Salary.com's Real-time Job Posting Salary Data Report, senior civil engineers with 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) expertise can earn 6.05% more than those without this skill. Likewise, proficiency in Geographic Information System (GIS) can lead to a 5.74% salary increase.
- Geographic Information System (GIS): 5.74%
- Structural Engineering: 5.64%
- Construction Management: 5.67%
- 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD): 6.05%
- Civil Engineering: 5.47%
- Quality Control: 5.52%
- Feasibility Study: 5.29%
- Design Engineering: 2.47%
The Future of Civil Engineering: Job Outlook and Career Trends
Employment for civil engineers including the senior position is projected by BLS to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 22,900 openings are expected annually, primarily due to retirements and career transitions.
Demand for civil engineers will rise with continued investments in U.S. infrastructure and the growth of renewable energy projects like wind and solar. However, employment may fluctuate based on public minimum funding and resource availability.
