Civil Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Civil Engineers in District of Columbia earn an average of $113,496 per year across 1 metro area. This is +18.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$113,496
per year
Hourly Rate
$54.57
per hour
vs National
+18.4%
$95,890 national
Salary Range
$73,297
to $159,174
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$113,496
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$74,180
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Civil Engineer's salary of $113,496 has the purchasing power of $74,180 in an average-cost area.
Civil Engineer Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $113,496 | $54.57/hr | $73,297 | $159,174 | 439 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Civil Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 439 Civil Engineers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Civil Engineer Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$73,297
Starting salary for new Civil Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$113,496
Mid-career Civil Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$159,174
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Civil Engineer salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in District of Columbia?
The average Civil Engineer salary in District of Columbia is $113,496 per year ($54.57/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 18.4% above the national average of $95,890.
What is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $113,496 per year.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in District of Columbia?
Civil Engineer salaries in District of Columbia range from $73,297 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $159,174 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $113,496 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.