Engineering Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Civil Engineer Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median civil engineer salary in Buffalo, NY is $82,745 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$82,745
vs State Avg
$-26,982
vs National
$-7,195
Cost of Living
92%

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

Buffalo offers a median civil engineer salary of $82,745, which is $26,982 below the New York state average of $109,727. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo'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 Buffalo 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. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, 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

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $55,568
25th Percentile $67,344
Median (50th) $82,745
75th Percentile $104,880
90th Percentile $127,512

Civil Engineer Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open civil engineer positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Buffalo, New York 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 Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,745, a civil engineer in Buffalo earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Buffalo's median civil engineer salary of $82,745 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $109,727. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $82,745 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Buffalo? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Buffalo 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.