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Average Civil Engineers Salary in Alaska

Civil Engineers in Alaska command an impressive average annual salary of $115,250, substantially exceeding the national average of $106,590. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique logistical challenges and specialized infrastructure needs inherent to the state, necessitating higher pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $115,250 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $162,420.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,540 Civil Engineers and a robust Location Quotient of 2.08, Alaska demonstrates a strong demand for these professionals. The concentration, more than double the national average, suggests a specialized and vital role for civil engineering expertise within the state's economy, indicating a stable and potentially growing job market.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$115,250

The average Civil Engineers in Alaska earns+8.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$55.4

Weekly

$2,216

Monthly

$9,604

Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Alaska

Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Alaska typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$78,800$37.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$86,438$41.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$107,240$51.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$144,063$69.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$162,420$78.1

Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$115,250

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$91,035

Adjusted for COL (126.6)

The nominal average salary of $115,250 in Alaska must be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 126.6. While the salary is notably higher than the national average, the increased cost of goods and services means that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. Prospective engineers should weigh the higher nominal wage against the elevated expenses when considering relocation.

Job Market Context

1,540

Total Jobs

4.79

Per 1K Jobs

2.08

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Alaska has 2.1x the national concentration of Civil Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Alaska's Location Quotient of 2.08 signifies a highly concentrated market for Civil Engineers, indicating that the state employs more than twice the national average of these professionals relative to its overall workforce. This suggests a specialized demand and potentially fewer, but more significant, opportunities compared to broader national markets.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Civil Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Civil Engineers make in Alaska?

The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Alaska is $115,250. This typically ranges from $78,800 for entry-level positions to $162,420 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Alaska is 8.1% higher than the national median of $106,590.

Is Alaska a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?

Yes, Alaska offers lucrative opportunities for Civil Engineers.Civil Engineers in Alaska earn significantly above the national average salary, and the high concentration of jobs suggests strong demand for their expertise.

Is Alaska a good place to live for Civil Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Alaska is 126.6. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Alaska salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Civil Engineers in Alaska is $115,250, which is considerably higher than the national average of $106,590.

What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Alaska?

Alaska has a Location Quotient of 2.08 for Civil Engineers, meaning the concentration of these professionals is more than double the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Alaska?

With a Cost of Living Index of 126.6, Alaska is more expensive than the national average, which partially offsets the higher nominal salary for Civil Engineers.

What does the job market look like for Civil Engineers in Alaska?

The job market appears robust, indicated by a high concentration of Civil Engineers (LQ 2.08) and a significant number of jobs per 1,000 workers (4.79), suggesting strong demand.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,540 employees in the Alaska area with a job density of 4.79 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.