Engineering Idaho (ID) Rank #27 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Idaho

The median civil engineer salary in Idaho is $84,544 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$84,544
vs National
$-5,396
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
94%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Idaho (2026)

Idaho ranks #27 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Civil Engineer salaries in Idaho are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,544 per year, civil engineers in Idaho earn $5,396 less than the national median of $89,940.

A key advantage of working in Idaho is its below-average cost of living (94% of the national index). This means the $84,544 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Idaho is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $56,776, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $130,284 — a $73,508 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Idaho for this role is Boise, where the median reaches $89,940.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in Idaho by Experience

In Idaho, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $58,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,200 per year. The cost of living index in Idaho is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,280
$-3,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,200
$-7,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Idaho

Percentile ID Salary
10th Percentile $56,776
25th Percentile $68,808
Median (50th) $84,544
75th Percentile $107,160
90th Percentile $130,284

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Idaho

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Idaho include Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Idaho Falls. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Idaho

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Idaho has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Idaho

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Idaho's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Idaho

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Idaho? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Idaho is $84,544 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $56,776 (10th percentile) to $130,284 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Idaho? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,544, a civil engineer in Idaho earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Idaho a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Idaho ranks #27 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 94% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $58,280, while senior professionals earn $122,200.
How does Idaho compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Idaho's median of $84,544 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Michigan ($85,443) and Montana ($85,443).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Idaho? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Idaho earns approximately $58,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $84,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $122,200.
What city in Idaho pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Boise is the highest paying city in Idaho for civil engineers, with a median salary of $89,940. Other cities include Meridian and Nampa.