Civil Engineers Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $96,630 -3% vs national
Median hourly $46.46
10th percentile $72,240
90th percentile $147,930
Employed locally 6,270
National median $99,590

Compare Civil Engineers salary & buying power

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Civil Engineers
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    In the Philadelphia-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area, civil engineers earn a median annual salary of $96,630, which is slightly below the national median of $99,590 for this occupation. Compared to the local median household income of $89,273, civil engineers typically earn considerably more than the average household in the region. This indicates that individuals working as civil engineers have a higher earning capacity relative to the general population within their locale. The relatively low local unemployment rate of 3.80% suggests a competitive job market where skilled professionals like civil engineers are likely to find stable employment opportunities.

    Entry-level civil engineers, represented by the 10th percentile salary at $72,240 annually, begin their careers with earnings significantly lower than those at the median level. As they gain experience and expertise, their salaries tend to increase substantially, reaching up to $124,440 for individuals in the 75th percentile and even higher at $147,930 for those in the 90th percentile. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers is driven by factors such as increased responsibility, specialized skills, project leadership roles, and years of service within the industry. This progression underscores the value placed on experience and expertise in the field of civil engineering.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $72,240
    25th
    $78,010
    50th (median)
    $96,630
    75th
    $124,440
    90th
    $147,930

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Civil Engineers salary vs area income 108% Median Civil Engineers salary is 8% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Civil Engineers make per hour in Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $46.46, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $71.13 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Civil Engineers salaries?

    The median Civil Engineers salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 3% below the national median of $99,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Civil Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $72,240 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $78,010.