Engineering Minnesota (MN) Rank #20 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Minnesota

The median civil engineer salary in Minnesota is $87,242 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$87,242
vs National
$-2,698
State Rank
#20 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for civil engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $87,242 per year, civil engineers in Minnesota earn $2,698 less than the national median of $89,940.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning civil engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $58,588, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $134,442 — a $75,854 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $94,437.

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 Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $60,140, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,100 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,140
$-1,860 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$87,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,100
$-3,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $58,588
25th Percentile $71,004
Median (50th) $87,242
75th Percentile $110,580
90th Percentile $134,442

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Minnesota

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Minnesota is $87,242 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $58,588 (10th percentile) to $134,442 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,242, a civil engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #20 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $60,140, while senior professionals earn $126,100.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Minnesota's median of $87,242 ranks #20 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maine ($88,141) and Arizona ($87,242).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $60,140 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $87,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $126,100.
What city in Minnesota pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for civil engineers, with a median salary of $94,437. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.