Average Civil Engineers Salary in Richmond, VA
Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA, can expect an average annual salary of $97,900. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, suggesting a localized market dynamic influencing compensation. Factors such as regional demand, project types, and the cost of doing business within Virginia contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,900 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,720 Civil Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.15, Richmond demonstrates a healthy concentration of these professionals, exceeding the national average. This indicates a robust demand for civil engineering expertise within the region, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA earns-8.2%below the national average.
$47.1
$1,883
$8,158
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and infrastructure projects typically drive increased demand and, consequently, upward pressure on compensation for specialized roles like civil engineering.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Richmond, VA
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. This upward trajectory signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $67,370 | $32.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $73,425 | $35.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $88,920 | $42.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $122,375 | $58.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,860 | $66.8 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,900
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,900
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Civil Engineer salary of $97,900 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without significant cost-of-living adjustments.
Job Market Context
1,720
Total Jobs
2.64
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
Richmond's Location Quotient of 1.15 signifies a slightly higher concentration of Civil Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a notable presence and demand for these professionals, indicating a competitive yet accessible job landscape for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $95,240↓ 3% | 41 mi |
| Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $91,780↓ 6% | 41 mi |
| Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $93,610↓ 4% | 41 mi |
| Northwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $87,750↓ 10% | 41 mi |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $84,770↓ 13% | 41 mi |
Comparing salaries near Richmond, VA
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Richmond, VA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA is $97,900. This typically ranges from $67,370 for entry-level positions to $138,860 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 8.2% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Richmond, VA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, Richmond, VA offers a competitive salary for Civil Engineers.The average salary of $97,900 is strong, and with a cost of living matching the national average, the purchasing power remains robust.
Is Richmond, VA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Richmond, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($95,240) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.
How does Richmond's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA, is $97,900, which is slightly lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the job market like for Civil Engineers in Richmond, VA?
Richmond has a healthy job market for Civil Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.15, suggesting a concentration of these roles slightly above the national average.
Does the cost of living in Richmond affect Civil Engineer salaries?
No, the cost of living in Richmond is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $97,900 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in Richmond, VA?
There are approximately 1,720 Civil Engineers employed in the Richmond, VA area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,720 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 2.64 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 Richmond, VA