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Civil Engineer Salary in DeKalb, IL

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

Median Salary
$99,343
per year in DeKalb
Entry Level
$60,652
Starting salary
Senior Level
$135,943
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
87
13% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,652$99,343$135,943
Monthly$5,054$8,279$11,329
Biweekly$2,333$3,821$5,229
Weekly$1,166$1,910$2,614
Hourly$29$48$65

DeKalb vs National Average

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

DeKalb Salary
$99,343
COL Index: 87
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$9,407
Lower in DeKalb

Cost of Living in DeKalb

1-Bedroom Rent
$790
per month
Median Income
$36,821
per year
Population
44,124
residents
Rent % of Income
25.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 87 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in DeKalb 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
+7%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+6%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+1%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-4%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in DeKalb, IL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in DeKalb, IL is $99,343 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 87. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering DeKalb's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in DeKalb can expect to earn around $60,652 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $135,943 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

DeKalb's cost of living index of 87 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in DeKalb 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 DeKalb typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $790 per month, housing represents about 9.5% 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 DeKalb, 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.