Average Civil Engineers Salary in Pennsylvania
Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $98,860, which is slightly below the national average of $106,590. This difference can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape, demand for infrastructure projects, and the overall cost of living within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $137,520.
- Outlook: Pennsylvania boasts a robust job market for Civil Engineers, with a total local workforce of 14,610 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady demand and a healthy environment for career opportunities in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania earns-7.3%below the national average.
$47.5
$1,901
$8,238
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in Pennsylvania have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased infrastructure investment, evolving engineering standards, and a persistent need for skilled professionals likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
The salary progression for Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $67,240 | $32.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $74,145 | $35.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,460 | $44.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $123,575 | $59.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $137,520 | $66.1 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,859
Adjusted for COL (99)
With an average annual salary of $98,860 and a Cost of Living Index of 99 (which is at the national average), Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania find their nominal earnings translate very closely to their purchasing power. This means that the salary offers a comfortable standard of living that aligns well with the typical expenses experienced across the United States.
Job Market Context
14,610
Total Jobs
2.428
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Pennsylvania has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
Pennsylvania's Location Quotient of 1.05 for Civil Engineers suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy and competitive environment where demand is present, but professionals may find a good number of their peers in similar roles, necessitating a focus on specialized skills and experience to stand out.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Williamsport, PA Civil Engineers Salary | $91,850↓ 7% | 9 mi |
| State College, PA Civil Engineers Salary | $103,600↑ 5% | 45 mi |
| Elmira, NY Civil Engineers Salary | $88,080↓ 11% | 65 mi |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Civil Engineers Salary | $97,670↓ 1% | 66 mi |
| Lebanon, PA Civil Engineers Salary | $107,080↑ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania is $98,860. This typically ranges from $67,240 for entry-level positions to $137,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 7.3% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat.Pennsylvania offers a competitive salary for Civil Engineers that aligns closely with the national average, and its cost of living is right at the national benchmark, making it a stable market.
Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?
Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($91,850) and State College, PA.
How does the number of Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania compare nationally?
Pennsylvania employs 14,610 Civil Engineers, representing a slightly higher concentration relative to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.05.
What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania?
The average annual salary for a Civil Engineer in Pennsylvania is $98,860.
How does Pennsylvania's cost of living affect a Civil Engineer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 99, Pennsylvania's cost of living is at the national average, meaning the $98,860 salary provides purchasing power comparable to the national median.
Are there many job opportunities for Civil Engineers in Pennsylvania?
The state has a substantial workforce of 14,610 Civil Engineers and a Location Quotient slightly above the national average, suggesting a consistent demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 14,610 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 2.428 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 Pennsylvania