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Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston, WV

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

Median Salary
$76,343
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$46,609
Starting salary
Senior Level
$104,469
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
90
10% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,609$76,343$104,469
Monthly$3,884$6,362$8,706
Biweekly$1,793$2,936$4,018
Weekly$896$1,468$2,009
Hourly$22$37$50

Charleston vs National Average

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

Charleston Salary
$76,343
COL Index: 90
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$32,407
Lower in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$47,234
per year
Population
46,539
residents
Rent % of Income
27.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 90 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston 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
+39%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+38%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+31%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+29%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Charleston, WV — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Charleston, WV is $76,343 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 90. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $46,609 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $104,469 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 90 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston 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 Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 17.3% 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 Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. 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.