Civil Engineers Salary in Seattle, WA
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Compare Civil Engineers salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Seattle, WA stacks up on salary and cost of living.
In Seattle, WA, civil engineers earn a median annual salary of $107,930, which is above the national median for the occupation at $99,590. This positions them favorably within the local economy, where the area's median household income stands at $112,594. The typical civil engineer in Seattle thus earns slightly less than the median household income, reflecting a competitive but balanced earning environment compared to other professions in the region. With an unemployment rate of 4.30%, opportunities for employment are relatively stable within the field.
The salary range for civil engineers in Seattle varies significantly depending on experience and expertise. Entry-level professionals earn around $81,440 annually (10th percentile), while those with more experience can expect to see earnings rise substantially, reaching up to $133,370 at the 75th percentile. Top earners in the field (90th percentile) command salaries as high as $160,290 per year. This disparity is primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, specialized skills, project complexity, and the ability to manage larger teams or more significant projects. As civil engineers progress through their careers, gaining expertise in niche areas like environmental engineering or infrastructure design can further enhance earning potential.
Salary percentile breakdown
Seattle economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Civil Engineers make per hour in Seattle?
The median hourly wage for Civil Engineers in Seattle, WA is $51.89, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $77.77 or more per hour.
Is Seattle above or below average for Civil Engineers salaries?
The median Civil Engineers salary in Seattle, WA is 8.4% above 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 Seattle?
Entry-level Civil Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $81,440 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $92,830.