Engineering Missouri (MO) Rank #42 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median civil engineer salary in Missouri is $79,147 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$79,147
vs National
$-10,793
State Rank
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Civil Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $79,147 per year, civil engineers in Missouri earn $10,793 less than the national median of $89,940.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $79,147 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $53,152, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $121,968 — a $68,816 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $82,745.

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 Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $54,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,400 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,560
$-7,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,400
$-15,600 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $79,147 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Missouri

Percentile MO Salary
10th Percentile $53,152
25th Percentile $64,416
Median (50th) $79,147
75th Percentile $100,320
90th Percentile $121,968

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Missouri

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Civil Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $35,253 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Civil Engineer Roles in Missouri?

Get matched with recruiters hiring civil engineers in Missouri at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Missouri is $79,147 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $53,152 (10th percentile) to $121,968 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,147, a civil engineer in Missouri earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #42 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $54,560, while senior professionals earn $114,400.
How does Missouri compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Missouri's median of $79,147 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include South Carolina ($80,047) and Tennessee ($80,047).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Missouri earns approximately $54,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $79,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,400.
What city in Missouri pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for civil engineers, with a median salary of $82,745. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.