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Civil Engineer Salary in Houston, TX

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

Median Salary
$98,690
per year in Houston
Entry Level
$60,253
Starting salary
Senior Level
$135,050
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
99
1% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,253$98,690$135,050
Monthly$5,021$8,224$11,254
Biweekly$2,317$3,796$5,194
Weekly$1,159$1,898$2,597
Hourly$29$47$65

Houston vs National Average

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

Houston Salary
$98,690
COL Index: 99
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$10,060
Lower in Houston

Cost of Living in Houston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,203
per year
Population
2,320,268
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Houston 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
+8%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+7%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-3%
Philadelphia, PA
$96,630
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Houston, TX — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Houston, TX is $98,690 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Houston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Houston can expect to earn around $60,253 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $135,050 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Houston's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Houston 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 Houston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 17.0% 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 Houston, 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.