Engineering Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Civil Engineer Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median civil engineer salary in Bellevue, WA is $136,709 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$136,709
vs State Avg
+$33,278
vs National
+$46,769
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median civil engineer salary of $136,709, which is $33,278 above the Washington state average of $103,431. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $136,709 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in Bellevue spans from $91,808 at the 10th percentile to $210,672 at the 90th percentile — a $118,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,240, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $197,600. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Civil Engineer Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $94,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $197,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,240
+$32,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$136,800
+$46,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$197,600
+$67,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $91,808
25th Percentile $111,264
Median (50th) $136,709
75th Percentile $173,280
90th Percentile $210,672

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$133,111
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$98,934
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$91,739
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$82,745
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open civil engineer positions in Bellevue, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Bellevue, Washington is $136,709 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $91,808 (10th percentile) to $210,672 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $136,709, a civil engineer in Bellevue earns approximately $66 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Bellevue's median civil engineer salary of $136,709 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $103,431. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $136,709 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Bellevue? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Bellevue 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.