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Civil Engineer Salary in Boston, MA

How much does a civil engineer make in Boston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Boston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$104,750
per year in Boston
Entry Level
$63,953
Starting salary
Senior Level
$143,342
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how civil engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Boston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,953$104,750$143,342
Monthly$5,329$8,729$11,945
Biweekly$2,460$4,029$5,513
Weekly$1,230$2,014$2,757
Hourly$31$50$69

Boston vs National Average

How Boston's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Boston Salary
$104,750
COL Index: 158
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$4,000
Lower in Boston

Cost of Living in Boston

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,250
per month
Median Income
$76,321
per year
Population
692,600
residents
Rent % of Income
35.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+1%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-4%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-9%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Boston, MA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Boston, MA is $104,750 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Boston can expect to earn around $63,953 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $143,342 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boston's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Boston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,250 per month, housing represents about 25.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Boston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.