Engineering Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Civil Engineer Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median civil engineer salary in Providence, RI is $97,135 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$97,135
vs State Avg
+$2,698
vs National
+$7,195
Cost of Living
108%

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

Providence offers a median civil engineer salary of $97,135, which is $2,698 above the Rhode Island state average of $94,437. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $65,232 at the 10th percentile to $149,688 at the 90th percentile — a $84,456 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,960, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,400. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $66,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,960
+$4,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,400
+$10,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $65,232
25th Percentile $79,056
Median (50th) $97,135
75th Percentile $123,120
90th Percentile $149,688

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$91,739
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$89,940
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$88,141
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$86,342
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Providence

Education

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

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Providence

Browse open civil engineer positions in Providence, RI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Providence

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $97,135 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $65,232 (10th percentile) to $149,688 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,135, a civil engineer in Providence earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Providence's median civil engineer salary of $97,135 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $94,437. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $97,135 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Providence? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Providence 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.