Civil Engineer Salary in Louisville, KY: $82,745 (2026)

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

Louisville offers a median civil engineer salary of $82,745, which is $4,497 above the Kentucky state average of $78,248. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $55,568 at the 10th percentile to $127,512 at the 90th percentile — a $71,944 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,040, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $119,600. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $57,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $119,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$57,040

$-4,960 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$82,800

$-7,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$119,600

$-10,400 vs national

Percentile	Louisville	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$55,568	$52,548	$60,400
25th Percentile	$67,344	$63,684	$73,200
Median (50th)	$82,745	$78,248	$89,940
75th Percentile	$104,880	$99,180	$114,000
90th Percentile	$127,512	$120,582	$138,600

Percentile

Louisville

10th Percentile

$55,568

25th Percentile

$67,344

Median (50th)

$82,745

75th Percentile

$104,880

90th Percentile

$127,512

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Louisville

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Louisville and the surrounding Kentucky 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 Louisville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Louisville

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Louisville, KY? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $82,745 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $55,568 (10th percentile) to $127,512 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Louisville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $82,745, a civil engineer in Louisville earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Louisville's median civil engineer salary of $82,745 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $78,248. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼

Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $82,745 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Louisville? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in Louisville 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.

Civil Engineer Salary in Louisville, Kentucky