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Civil Engineer Salary in Charlottesville, VA

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

Median Salary
$131,544
per year in Charlottesville
Entry Level
$80,311
Starting salary
Senior Level
$180,008
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
112
12% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$80,311$131,544$180,008
Monthly$6,693$10,962$15,001
Biweekly$3,089$5,059$6,923
Weekly$1,544$2,530$3,462
Hourly$39$63$87

Charlottesville vs National Average

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

Charlottesville Salary
$131,544
COL Index: 112
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$22,794
Higher in Charlottesville

Cost of Living in Charlottesville

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
46,553
residents
Rent % of Income
28.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 112 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charlottesville 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
-19%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-20%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-24%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-25%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Charlottesville, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Charlottesville, VA is $131,544 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 112. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charlottesville's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Charlottesville can expect to earn around $80,311 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $180,008 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charlottesville's cost of living index of 112 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 12.3% 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 Charlottesville, 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.