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Civil Engineer Salary in La Crosse, WI

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

Median Salary
$86,130
per year in La Crosse
Entry Level
$52,585
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,862
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,585$86,130$117,862
Monthly$4,382$7,178$9,822
Biweekly$2,023$3,313$4,533
Weekly$1,011$1,656$2,267
Hourly$25$41$57

La Crosse vs National Average

How La Crosse's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

La Crosse Salary
$86,130
COL Index: 88
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$22,620
Lower in La Crosse

Cost of Living in La Crosse

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$44,820
per year
Population
52,680
residents
Rent % of Income
22.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in La Crosse 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
+23%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+22%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+16%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in La Crosse, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in La Crosse, WI is $86,130 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering La Crosse's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in La Crosse can expect to earn around $52,585 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $117,862 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

La Crosse's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in La Crosse 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 La Crosse typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 11.8% 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 La Crosse, 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.