Civil Engineer Salary in Houston
2026 compensation data for Civil Engineer positions in Houston, TX. Ranges from $59,000 (entry-level) to $147,000 (senior). Median: $91,000.
Median (Mid)
$91,000
$43.75/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $91,000
COL Index
102
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$147,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $59,000 | $69,000 | $81,000 | $33.17/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $77,000 | $91,000 | $109,000 | $43.75/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $104,000 | $124,000 | $147,000 | $59.62/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Houston
A mid-level civil engineer earning $91,000 in Houston has the same buying power as $89,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 102).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Civil Engineer Salaries in Houston
The median civil engineer salary in Houston, TX is $91,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 102 (national average = 100), Houston offers an affordable cost of living, making these salaries stretch further.
Entry-level civil engineers in Houston can expect to earn between $59,000 and $81,000 (about $33.17/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $147,000 ($147K annually, or about $70.67/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Houston.
Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Houston
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Houston?+
The average Civil Engineer salary in Houston is $91,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $69,000 and senior-level pay reaches $124,000.
How much does an entry-level civil engineer make in Houston?+
Entry-level civil engineers in Houston earn between $59,000 and $81,000, with a median of $69,000 per year (about $33.17/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Civil Engineer in Houston?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Civil Engineer in Houston earns roughly $33.17/hour at entry-level, $43.75/hour at mid-level, and $59.62/hour at senior-level.
Is the Civil Engineer salary in Houston higher than the US average?+
Yes — Civil Engineer salaries in Houston are about 0% higher than the US national median of $91,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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