Engineering Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median civil engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $86,342 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$86,342
vs National
$-3,598
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for civil engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $86,342 per year, civil engineers in Pennsylvania earn $3,598 less than the national median of $89,940.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning civil engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $57,984, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,056 — a $75,072 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $91,739.

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 Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,520
$-2,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,800
$-5,200 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $86,342 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $57,984
25th Percentile $70,272
Median (50th) $86,342
75th Percentile $109,440
90th Percentile $133,056

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Pennsylvania'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 $38,458 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Civil Engineer Roles in Pennsylvania?

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

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $86,342 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $57,984 (10th percentile) to $133,056 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,342, a civil engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $59,520, while senior professionals earn $124,800.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Pennsylvania's median of $86,342 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($87,242) and Utah ($87,242).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $59,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $124,800.
What city in Pennsylvania pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for civil engineers, with a median salary of $91,739. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.