Engineering Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median civil engineer salary in Massachusetts is $121,419 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$121,419
vs National
+$31,479
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for civil engineers seeking high pay. At $121,419 per year, civil engineers in Massachusetts earn $31,479 more than the national median of $89,940.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $121,419 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $89,940.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $81,540, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $187,110 — a $105,570 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $143,904.

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 Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $83,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,500 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$83,700
+$21,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,500
+$31,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,500
+$45,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $81,540
25th Percentile $98,820
Median (50th) $121,419
75th Percentile $153,900
90th Percentile $187,110

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Massachusetts is $121,419 per year, which is 35.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $81,540 (10th percentile) to $187,110 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,419, a civil engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $83,700, while senior professionals earn $175,500.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Massachusetts's median of $121,419 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($152,898) and California ($124,117).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $83,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $175,500.
What city in Massachusetts pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for civil engineers, with a median salary of $143,904. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.