Average Civil Engineers Salary in Puerto Rico
Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico earn an average annual salary of $72,160. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $106,590, reflecting a combination of regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the island's construction and infrastructure sectors. Localized economic conditions and the cost of doing business often influence compensation levels for specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,970.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,110 Civil Engineers, Puerto Rico presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply. The presence of 2.246 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the steady, consistent need for these professionals within the island's development projects.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico earns-32.3%below the national average.
$34.7
$1,388
$6,013
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Puerto Rico's Civil Engineer salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic development initiatives, infrastructure investments, and the ongoing need for resilient construction in the face of environmental challenges likely contribute to a gradual increase in demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled Civil Engineers across the island.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Puerto Rico
Career progression for Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably below the average, while senior engineers, project managers, and those with specialized expertise can command salaries well above $72,160. The widening percentile gaps between junior and senior roles signify substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain experience and take on greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $36,820 | $17.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $54,120 | $26 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $60,510 | $29.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $90,200 | $43.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $109,970 | $52.9 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,958
Adjusted for COL (95)
The average Civil Engineer salary of $72,160 in Puerto Rico is quite competitive when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 95, which is slightly below the national average (100), the purchasing power of this salary is enhanced. This means that the nominal income can translate into a relatively comfortable standard of living, making Puerto Rico an attractive location for Civil Engineers seeking a favorable balance between earnings and expenses.
Job Market Context
2,110
Total Jobs
2.246
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Puerto Rico has 0.97x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.97 for Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico suggests a job market that closely mirrors the national distribution of this profession. This indicates a healthy and stable demand for Civil Engineers, without being overly saturated or exceptionally scarce. The market is neither intensely competitive nor significantly lacking in talent, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ponce, PR Civil Engineers Salary | $61,270↓ 15% | 15 mi |
| Arecibo, PR Civil Engineers Salary | $64,160↓ 11% | 19 mi |
| Mayaguez, PR Civil Engineers Salary | $58,020↓ 20% | 33 mi |
| San Juan-Bayamon-Caguas, PR Civil Engineers Salary | $74,680↑ 3% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Puerto Rico
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Puerto Rico?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico is $72,160. This typically ranges from $36,820 for entry-level positions to $109,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Puerto Rico is 32.3% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Puerto Rico a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, with a favorable cost of living.While the average salary of $72,160 is below the national average, Puerto Rico's cost of living index of 95 makes this salary more competitive than it appears. This balance offers a good quality of life for Civil Engineers.
Is Puerto Rico a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Puerto Rico?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ponce, PR ($61,270) and Arecibo, PR.
How does Puerto Rico's Civil Engineer salary compare to the US national average?
The average annual salary for Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico is $72,160, which is approximately 32% lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico has a Location Quotient of 0.97 for Civil Engineers, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in Puerto Rico?
There are approximately 2,110 Civil Engineers employed in Puerto Rico, representing 2.246 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.
Does experience significantly impact a Civil Engineer's salary in Puerto Rico?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level engineers earning less than the average, while senior and specialized engineers can significantly exceed the $72,160 average salary.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,110 employees in the Puerto Rico area with a job density of 2.246 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Civil Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Puerto Rico
- All Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Production Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Protective Service Occupations Salary in Puerto Rico
- Browse All Jobs in Puerto Rico →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Puerto Rico