Civil engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$99,590
~$48/hr · ~$8,299/mo
US Jobs
369K
Faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
6/10
Moderate
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate 6/10
Civil engineering involves significant digital knowledge work, including CAD design, data analysis, and cost estimation, which are highly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains. However, the role is anchored by the necessity for physical site inspections, real-world surveying, and the legal accountability of a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which requires human judgment and liability that AI cannot currently replace.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redding, CABEST VALUE | $127,130 | Above avg (103.0) | $123,426 |
| Decatur, AL | $109,420 | Below avg (89.2) | $122,665 |
| Lake Charles, LA | $106,800 | Below avg (87.1) | $122,639 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | $121,170 | Average (98.9) | $122,536 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $104,330 | Below avg (85.3) | $122,294 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | $103,120 | Below avg (84.5) | $122,108 |
| Walla Walla, WA | $119,080 | Average (97.9) | $121,602 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $110,460 | Below avg (91.2) | $121,075 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | $118,830 | Average (99.1) | $119,858 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 | Above avg (109.1) | $119,451 |
| Monroe, LA | $99,270 | Below avg (83.6) | $118,682 |
| Alexandria, LA | $101,940 | Below avg (86.5) | $117,818 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | $104,430 | Below avg (88.9) | $117,407 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $103,260 | Below avg (88.2) | $117,046 |
| Mobile, AL | $103,120 | Below avg (88.7) | $116,207 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+5% (Faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$48/hr
Monthly Income
~$8,299/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)