Engineering Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Civil Engineer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median civil engineer salary in Tucson, AZ is $83,644 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$83,644
vs State Avg
$-3,598
vs National
$-6,296
Cost of Living
93%

Civil Engineer Pay in Tucson: What to Expect (2026)

Tucson offers a median civil engineer salary of $83,644, which is $3,598 below the Arizona state average of $87,242. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for civil engineers in Tucson spans from $56,172 at the 10th percentile to $128,898 at the 90th percentile — a $72,726 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,660, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,900. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $57,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,700
$-6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,900
$-9,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $56,172
25th Percentile $68,076
Median (50th) $83,644
75th Percentile $106,020
90th Percentile $128,898

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

Scottsdale, AZ
$100,733
Pop. 241,361
Chandler, AZ
$91,739
Pop. 275,987
Phoenix, AZ
$89,940
Pop. 1,608,139
Mesa, AZ
$87,242
Pop. 504,258

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Tucson

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open civil engineer positions in Tucson, AZ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $83,644 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $56,172 (10th percentile) to $128,898 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,644, a civil engineer in Tucson earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Tucson's median civil engineer salary of $83,644 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $87,242. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $83,644 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Tucson? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Tucson require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.