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Civil Engineer Salary in Tucson, AZ

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

Median Salary
$75,900
per year in Tucson
Entry Level
$46,339
Starting salary
Senior Level
$103,863
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 Tucson.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$46,339$75,900$103,863
Monthly$3,862$6,325$8,655
Biweekly$1,782$2,919$3,995
Weekly$891$1,460$1,997
Hourly$22$36$50

Tucson vs National Average

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

Tucson Salary
$75,900
COL Index: 99
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$32,850
Lower in Tucson

Cost of Living in Tucson

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$52,456
per year
Population
525,796
residents
Rent % of Income
29.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 99 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Tucson 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
+40%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+39%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+32%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+30%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
+26%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Tucson, AZ — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Tucson, AZ is $75,900 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 99. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Tucson's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Tucson can expect to earn around $46,339 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $103,863 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Tucson's cost of living index of 99 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Tucson 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 Tucson typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 20.6% 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 Tucson, 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.