Civil Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI: $85,443 (2026)

Civil Engineer Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median civil engineer salary of $85,443, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $85,443. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $57,380 at the 10th percentile to $131,670 at the 90th percentile — a $74,290 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,900, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,500. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $58,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$58,900

$-3,100 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$85,500

$-4,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$123,500

$-6,500 vs national

Percentile	Grand Rapids	MI State	National
10th Percentile	$57,380	$57,380	$60,400
25th Percentile	$69,540	$69,540	$73,200
Median (50th)	$85,443	$85,443	$89,940
75th Percentile	$108,300	$108,300	$114,000
90th Percentile	$131,670	$131,670	$138,600

Percentile

Grand Rapids

10th Percentile

$57,380

25th Percentile

$69,540

Median (50th)

$85,443

75th Percentile

$108,300

90th Percentile

$131,670

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $85,443 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $57,380 (10th percentile) to $131,670 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $85,443, a civil engineer in Grand Rapids earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

Grand Rapids's median civil engineer salary of $85,443 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $85,443. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼

Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $85,443 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most civil engineer positions in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan