Average Civil Engineers Salary in Rhode Island
Civil Engineers in Rhode Island earn an impressive average annual salary of $116,550, significantly exceeding the national average of $106,590. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's specific infrastructure needs, project demands, and potentially a more competitive market for specialized engineering talent within its borders.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $116,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $165,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,200 Civil Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.06, Rhode Island demonstrates a healthy concentration of these professionals, slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable and potentially growing demand for civil engineering expertise within the state, suggesting a robust job market for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Rhode Island earns+9.3%above the national average.
$56
$2,241
$9,713
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Civil Engineers in Rhode Island have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased infrastructure investment, evolving project complexities, and inflation likely contribute to this upward trajectory in compensation.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Rhode Island
The career path for Civil Engineers in Rhode Island offers significant earning potential, with salaries scaling considerably from entry-level positions to senior roles. The widening salary gap between junior and experienced professionals reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge, project management skills, and specialized expertise, signifying clear opportunities for career progression and increased remuneration.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $76,090 | $36.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $87,413 | $42 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $112,250 | $54 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $145,688 | $70 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $165,610 | $79.6 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$116,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,062
Adjusted for COL (112)
Rhode Island's average Civil Engineer salary of $116,550 presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 112, indicating expenses are 12% higher than the national average, the real purchasing power needs careful consideration. While the salary is competitive, the higher cost of living means that the take-home value may be slightly tempered compared to states with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
1,200
Total Jobs
2.434
Per 1K Jobs
1.06
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.06, Rhode Island has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.06 for Civil Engineers in Rhode Island suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence of these professionals, implying a competitive yet accessible market for both employers seeking talent and engineers looking for opportunities within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Civil Engineers Salary | $114,510↓ 2% | 11 mi |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT Civil Engineers Salary | $109,100↓ 6% | 31 mi |
| Worcester, MA Civil Engineers Salary | $106,880↓ 8% | 43 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Civil Engineers Salary | $116,860↑ 0% | 49 mi |
Comparing salaries near Rhode Island
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Rhode Island is $116,550. This typically ranges from $76,090 for entry-level positions to $165,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Rhode Island is 9.3% higher than the national median of $106,590.
Is Rhode Island a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, Rhode Island offers lucrative opportunities for Civil Engineers.The average salary of $116,550 significantly surpasses the national average, and the slightly above-average concentration of jobs (LQ 1.06) points to sustained demand.
Is Rhode Island a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Rhode Island is 112. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Rhode Island?
Some top paying nearby cities include Providence-Warwick, RI-MA ($114,510) and Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT.
How does Rhode Island's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Civil Engineers in Rhode Island earn an average of $116,550 annually, which is approximately $10,000 more than the national average of $106,590.
What is the concentration of Civil Engineers in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island has a Location Quotient of 1.06 for Civil Engineers, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a Civil Engineer's salary in Rhode Island?
With a Cost of Living Index of 112, Rhode Island is 12% more expensive than the national average, meaning the $116,550 salary needs to be viewed in the context of higher living expenses.
What does the job market look like for Civil Engineers in Rhode Island?
The market appears robust, with a local workforce of 1,200 and a slightly above-average concentration, suggesting consistent demand for civil engineering services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,200 employees in the Rhode Island area with a job density of 2.434 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 Rhode Island