Salaries/Civil Engineer/Washington D.C.

Civil Engineer Salary in Washington D.C.

2026 compensation data for Civil Engineer positions in Washington D.C.. Ranges from $72,000 (entry-level) to $178,000 (senior).

Median (Mid)

$110,000

vs National

+0%

COL Index

150

Senior Max

$178,000

Salary Ranges by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0–2 years)$72,000$98,000
$72KMedian: $84,000$98K
Mid-Level (3–5 years)$94,000$132,000
$94KMedian: $110,000$132K
Senior (6+ years)$126,000$178,000
$126KMedian: $150,000$178K

Detailed Compensation Breakdown

LevelMinimumMedianMaximum
Entry-Level$72,000$84,000$98,000
Mid-Level$94,000$110,000$132,000
Senior$126,000$150,000$178,000

About Civil Engineer Salaries in Washington D.C.

The median civil engineer salary in Washington D.C. is $110,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Washington D.C. offers a higher cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.

Entry-level civil engineers in Washington D.C. can expect to earn between $72,000 and $98,000, while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $178,000.

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.

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