Civil Engineer Salaries: What BLS Data Shows by State

Civil engineers design and oversee infrastructure — roads, bridges, water systems, airports, and buildings. With major federal infrastructure legislation driving project spending, demand for civil engineers has grown across both public and private sectors.

National Wage Overview

Civil engineering wages sit solidly in the upper-middle tier of the workforce — above the median for all occupations, but typically below software and electrical engineering specialties. The distribution is tighter than in tech occupations: the gap between entry-level and 90th percentile is narrower.

Highest-Paying States

California, Alaska, and New Jersey are typically among the top-paying states for civil engineers. California's dominance reflects both high cost-of-living adjustments and large public infrastructure project volumes in the state.

Private vs. Public Sector

Civil engineers split between private consulting/construction firms and public agencies (state DOTs, municipalities, federal agencies). Public sector positions typically pay less than private-sector equivalents but offer stronger benefits and job stability. The BLS OEWS data blends both sectors into a single median.

Engineering Career Paths

Compare wages across engineering disciplines in the Architecture and Engineering Occupations group, including mechanical engineers and architects.