• Rank 1 - 10
  • 11 - 20
  • 21 - 30
  • 31 - 40
  • 41 - 51
It seems like civil engineers are becoming more and more common across America. But working conditions and demand for civil engineers aren't the same everywhere in the U.S. In fact, our research shows that California is the best state for civil engineers in America. The best city in America for civil engineers with the highest pay is San Francisco, CA.
The median salary for civil engineers in California is $91,786. Compare that to the median salary in Arkansas of $57,367, which ranked worst for civil engineers, and you can see how your location is important for your career. The bottom 10% level pay for civil engineers is $51,000. The average civil engineer salary is $70,950.

Here Are the Best States for Civil Engineers In 2023:

  1. 1. California

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    2,375
    Average Annual Salary:$91,786
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$66,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$126,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.36
  2. 2. Alaska

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    79
    Average Annual Salary:$81,287
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$67,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$98,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.59
  3. 3. Oregon

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    376
    Average Annual Salary:$76,118
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$55,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$104,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.52
  4. 4. Nevada

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    117
    Average Annual Salary:$75,994
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$54,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$105,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.94
  5. 5. Virginia

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    966
    Average Annual Salary:$75,340
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$57,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$99,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.72
  6. Are There Any Particularly Good Places In The United States For Civil Engineers To Find Work Opportunities?

    Bethany Brinkman

    Associate Professor and Director, Sweet Briar College

    Historically, many of our graduates have gone to work for larger companies or government sub-contractors; however, during the pandemic, we saw many of these opportunities disappear due to hiring freezes or program reductions. Smaller, local companies stepped up and were more flexible in their hiring practices, so they could provide socially distant internships and employment. I think this is where Sweet Briar's general engineering degree is very helpful - our students have a broad base of knowledge, can adapt quickly, and communicate well, so they thrive in challenging circumstances.Show more

    6. Maine

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    79
    Average Annual Salary:$74,684
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$55,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$100,000
    Location Quotient:
    1
  7. 7. Washington

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    623
    Average Annual Salary:$74,621
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$54,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$102,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.43
  8. 8. Massachusetts

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    483
    Average Annual Salary:$75,947
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$56,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$101,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.88
  9. 9. Delaware

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    101
    Average Annual Salary:$71,877
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$54,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$95,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.35
  10. 10. Vermont

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    48
    Average Annual Salary:$71,573
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$53,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$95,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.05
  11. Civil Engineer JobsNear Ashburn, VA

    11. District of Columbia

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    190
    Average Annual Salary:$74,461
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$56,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$98,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.9
  12. 12. New York

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    681
    Average Annual Salary:$75,485
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$56,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$100,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.89
  13. 13. Pennsylvania

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    535
    Average Annual Salary:$71,013
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$53,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$94,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.77
  14. 14. Louisiana

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    139
    Average Annual Salary:$70,944
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$52,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$95,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.73
  15. 15. Oklahoma

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    126
    Average Annual Salary:$70,864
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$53,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$94,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.69
  16. 16. North Carolina

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    517
    Average Annual Salary:$68,874
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$52,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$90,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.9
  17. 17. New Jersey

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    326
    Average Annual Salary:$74,987
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$56,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$100,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.69
  18. 18. Connecticut

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    179
    Average Annual Salary:$71,311
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$53,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$95,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.9
  19. 19. Mississippi

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    72
    Average Annual Salary:$70,441
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$52,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$93,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.57
  20. 20. Alabama

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    231
    Average Annual Salary:$66,657
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$88,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.88
  21. Civil Engineer Jobs In The Top 10 States

    Job Openings

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    21. Tennessee

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    227
    Average Annual Salary:$68,057
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$51,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$89,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.65
  22. 22. Colorado

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    541
    Average Annual Salary:$67,946
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$49,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$93,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.52
  23. 23. Minnesota

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    321
    Average Annual Salary:$68,908
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$51,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$91,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.81
  24. 24. Kentucky

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    131
    Average Annual Salary:$68,401
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$51,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$90,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.6
  25. 25. Hawaii

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    94
    Average Annual Salary:$69,532
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$60,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$80,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.88
  26. 26. Texas

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    1,218
    Average Annual Salary:$65,826
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$49,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$88,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.01
  27. 27. Florida

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    872
    Average Annual Salary:$67,327
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$89,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.94
  28. 28. New Mexico

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    82
    Average Annual Salary:$67,614
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$49,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$92,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.7
  29. 29. Rhode Island

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    43
    Average Annual Salary:$68,597
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$51,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$91,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.59
  30. 30. New Hampshire

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    72
    Average Annual Salary:$67,568
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$90,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.69
  31. 31. Maryland

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    525
    Average Annual Salary:$66,554
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$87,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.39
  32. 32. North Dakota

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    54
    Average Annual Salary:$63,460
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$47,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$84,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.97
  33. 33. Illinois

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    598
    Average Annual Salary:$67,539
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$89,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.84
  34. 34. Ohio

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    469
    Average Annual Salary:$64,262
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$48,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$85,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.77
  35. 35. West Virginia

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    57
    Average Annual Salary:$65,815
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$49,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$86,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.63
  36. 36. Missouri

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    233
    Average Annual Salary:$66,796
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$50,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$89,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.67
  37. 37. Arizona

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    395
    Average Annual Salary:$62,986
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$46,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$85,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.13
  38. 38. Indiana

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    329
    Average Annual Salary:$62,961
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$47,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$83,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.84
  39. 39. Iowa

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    178
    Average Annual Salary:$62,980
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$47,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$84,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.82
  40. 40. Nebraska

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    140
    Average Annual Salary:$61,299
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$45,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$82,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.05
  41. 41. Georgia

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    617
    Average Annual Salary:$61,434
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$46,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$81,000
    Location Quotient:
    1
  42. 42. South Carolina

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    217
    Average Annual Salary:$62,311
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$47,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$82,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.81
  43. 43. Michigan

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    439
    Average Annual Salary:$60,009
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$45,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$79,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.95
  44. 44. Wisconsin

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    248
    Average Annual Salary:$62,382
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$46,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$83,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.75
  45. 45. Idaho

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    91
    Average Annual Salary:$61,323
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$43,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$85,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.93
  46. 46. Montana

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    114
    Average Annual Salary:$56,606
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$41,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$77,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.66
  47. 47. Utah

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    204
    Average Annual Salary:$58,347
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$41,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$81,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.07
  48. 48. South Dakota

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    46
    Average Annual Salary:$60,490
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$44,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$81,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.72
  49. 49. Wyoming

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    42
    Average Annual Salary:$51,913
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$37,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$71,000
    Location Quotient:
    1.18
  50. 50. Kansas

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    118
    Average Annual Salary:$59,603
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$44,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$79,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.65
  51. 51. Arkansas

    Total Civil Engineer Jobs:
    90
    Average Annual Salary:$57,367
    Lowest 10 Percent Earn:$43,000
    Highest 10 Percent Earn:$76,000
    Location Quotient:
    0.58

How We Determined The Best States To Be A Civil Engineer

You can read about how the best state rankings are calculated here.

Detailed List Of The Best States For A Civil Engineer

RankStateAverage SalaryLowest 10% EarnPopulationJob Count
1California$91,786$66,00039,536,6532,375
2Alaska$81,287$67,000739,79579
3Oregon$76,118$55,0004,142,776376
4Nevada$75,994$54,0002,998,039117
5Virginia$75,340$57,0008,470,020966
6Maine$74,684$55,0001,335,90779
7Washington$74,621$54,0007,405,743623
8Massachusetts$75,947$56,0006,859,819483
9Delaware$71,877$54,000961,939101
10Vermont$71,573$53,000623,65748
11District of Columbia$74,461$56,000693,972190
12New York$75,485$56,00019,849,399681
13Pennsylvania$71,013$53,00012,805,537535
14Louisiana$70,944$52,0004,684,333139
15Oklahoma$70,864$53,0003,930,864126
16North Carolina$68,874$52,00010,273,419517
17New Jersey$74,987$56,0009,005,644326
18Connecticut$71,311$53,0003,588,184179
19Mississippi$70,441$52,0002,984,10072
20Alabama$66,657$50,0004,874,747231
21Tennessee$68,057$51,0006,715,984227
22Colorado$67,946$49,0005,607,154541
23Minnesota$68,908$51,0005,576,606321
24Kentucky$68,401$51,0004,454,189131
25Hawaii$69,532$60,0001,427,53894
26Texas$65,826$49,00028,304,5961,218
27Florida$67,327$50,00020,984,400872
28New Mexico$67,614$49,0002,088,07082
29Rhode Island$68,597$51,0001,059,63943
30New Hampshire$67,568$50,0001,342,79572
31Maryland$66,554$50,0006,052,177525
32North Dakota$63,460$47,000755,39354
33Illinois$67,539$50,00012,802,023598
34Ohio$64,262$48,00011,658,609469
35West Virginia$65,815$49,0001,815,85757
36Missouri$66,796$50,0006,113,532233
37Arizona$62,986$46,0007,016,270395
38Indiana$62,961$47,0006,666,818329
39Iowa$62,980$47,0003,145,711178
40Nebraska$61,299$45,0001,920,076140
41Georgia$61,434$46,00010,429,379617
42South Carolina$62,311$47,0005,024,369217
43Michigan$60,009$45,0009,962,311439
44Wisconsin$62,382$46,0005,795,483248
45Idaho$61,323$43,0001,716,94391
46Montana$56,606$41,0001,050,493114
47Utah$58,347$41,0003,101,833204
48South Dakota$60,490$44,000869,66646
49Wyoming$51,913$37,000579,31542
50Kansas$59,603$44,0002,913,123118
51Arkansas$57,367$43,0003,004,27990

Highest paying states for Civil Engineers

RankStateAvg. Civil Engineer Salary
1California$91,786
2Alaska$81,287
3Oregon$76,118
4Nevada$75,994
5Virginia$75,340
6Maine$74,684
7Washington$74,621
8Massachusetts$75,947
9Delaware$71,877
10Vermont$71,573
11District of Columbia$74,461
12New York$75,485
13Pennsylvania$71,013
14Louisiana$70,944
15Oklahoma$70,864
16North Carolina$68,874
17New Jersey$74,987
18Connecticut$71,311
19Mississippi$70,441
20Alabama$66,657
21Tennessee$68,057
22Colorado$67,946
23Minnesota$68,908
24Kentucky$68,401
25Hawaii$69,532
26Texas$65,826
27Florida$67,327
28New Mexico$67,614
29Rhode Island$68,597
30New Hampshire$67,568
31Maryland$66,554
32North Dakota$63,460
33Illinois$67,539
34Ohio$64,262
35West Virginia$65,815
36Missouri$66,796
37Arizona$62,986
38Indiana$62,961
39Iowa$62,980
40Nebraska$61,299
41Georgia$61,434
42South Carolina$62,311
43Michigan$60,009
44Wisconsin$62,382
45Idaho$61,323
46Montana$56,606
47Utah$58,347
48South Dakota$60,490
49Wyoming$51,913
50Kansas$59,603
51Arkansas$57,367
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