Engineering Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Civil Engineer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median civil engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $91,739 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$91,739
vs State Avg
+$5,397
vs National
+$1,799
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median civil engineer salary of $91,739, which is $5,397 above the Pennsylvania state average of $86,342. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $61,608 at the 10th percentile to $141,372 at the 90th percentile — a $79,764 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,240, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,600. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $63,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,240
+$1,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,600
+$2,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $61,608
25th Percentile $74,664
Median (50th) $91,739
75th Percentile $116,280
90th Percentile $141,372

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open civil engineer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $91,739 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $61,608 (10th percentile) to $141,372 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,739, a civil engineer in Philadelphia earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median civil engineer salary of $91,739 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $86,342. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $91,739 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Philadelphia 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.