Average Civil Engineers Salary in Lafayette, LA
Civil Engineers in Lafayette, Louisiana, earn an average annual salary of $98,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $106,590, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as industry demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,140.
- Outlook: The Lafayette, LA, job market for Civil Engineers, while not as concentrated as the national average with a Location Quotient of 0.58, still supports a dedicated local workforce of 240 professionals. The presence of 1.34 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these specialized skills within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Lafayette, LA earns-8.0%below the national average.
$47.1
$1,885
$8,169
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Lafayette is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in the region have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic development and infrastructure projects typically drive salary growth for engineering roles, suggesting a positive trajectory for compensation in Lafayette.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Lafayette, LA
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Lafayette, LA, typically follows a clear path from entry-level to senior positions. Junior engineers might start closer to the lower percentiles, while those with extensive experience and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and value to employers. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies robust career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $62,020 | $29.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,523 | $35.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,020 | $46.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $122,538 | $58.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $137,140 | $65.9 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Civil Engineer salary of $98,030 in Lafayette, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in Lafayette is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
240
Total Jobs
1.34
Per 1K Jobs
0.58
Location Quotient
Lafayette, LA has 0.58x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.58, Civil Engineering roles are less concentrated in Lafayette, LA, compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable presence of these professionals, the market may be less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled individuals entering the field or seeking specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA Civil Engineers Salary | $114,910↑ 17% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $99,970↑ 2% | 67 mi |
| Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $103,670↑ 6% | 67 mi |
| Northeast Louisiana nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $102,580↑ 5% | 67 mi |
| Lake Charles, LA Civil Engineers Salary | $110,650↑ 13% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Lafayette, LA
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Lafayette, LA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Lafayette, LA is $98,030. This typically ranges from $62,020 for entry-level positions to $137,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lafayette, LA is 8.0% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Lafayette, LA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $98,030 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $106,590. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Lafayette, LA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lafayette, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lafayette, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baton Rouge, LA ($114,910) and Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Lafayette's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Lafayette, LA, earn an average of $98,030 annually, which is approximately $8,560 less than the national average of $106,590.
What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Lafayette, LA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.58, indicating that Civil Engineers are less prevalent in Lafayette compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Lafayette affect Civil Engineer salaries?
Lafayette's cost of living index is 100, matching the national average. This means the $98,030 salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a higher cost-of-living area.
What is the job availability for Civil Engineers in Lafayette?
There are approximately 1.34 Civil Engineer jobs per 1,000 workers in Lafayette, suggesting a moderate level of demand within the local workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Lafayette, LA area with a job density of 1.34 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lafayette, LA