Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $55.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Anchorage, AK runs $55.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,705 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,421 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Anchorage, AK, a civil engineer earns a median hourly rate of $55.63, significantly higher than the national median of $49.76. This premium reflects the competitive landscape of engineering jobs in the region, driven by infrastructure projects and local construction demands. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this means a solid income potential even at reduced hours, which can translate to approximately $43,315 annually before taxes. Civil engineers operating on a per-diem basis typically enjoy flexible work arrangements, billing from $100 to over $180 an hour, depending on the complexity of their projects and their experience levels. The hourly pay range in Anchorage varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $38.95 while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $78.61 per hour, showcasing the numerous pathways and financial outcomes within this profession.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.95 | $311.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.39 | $371.11 |
| Median (P50) | $55.63 | $445.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.92 | $519.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.61 | $628.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage
Based on $55.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.63/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $115,701 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,751. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anchorage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,225.02 | $9,642 | $115,701 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,335.01 | $5,785 | $69,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $890.01 | $3,857 | $46,280 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Anchorage) | $55.63 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $115,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.80% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 5.40% above the Alaska state average of $109,777.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.63/hr = $69,421/year (purchasing power: $65,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,701/year (purchasing power: $109,752).
CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Anchorage grew 13.2% from $47.90/hr (2019) to $54.20/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Civil Engineer in Anchorage
Turning to the nuances of part-time civil engineer hourly pay in Anchorage, working a three-day week provides valuable insights into annual earnings. A civil engineer on a 24-hour work week takes home a considerably different annual salary compared to their full-time counterparts. In per-diem settings, compensation for civil engineers can vary depending on the complexity of the work involved, with expert witnesses sometimes commanding rates as high as $250 to $500 hourly. Employers in Anchorage, including major engineering firms like AECOM and local construction companies, may have differing pay scales, creating a diverse earning potential across the job market. While some professionals may seek higher hourly pay without benefits, others may settle for lower pay that includes health insurance, reflecting different priorities and needs. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding industry standards and fostering connections within Anchorage can offer leverage in securing favorable compensation.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in Anchorage. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov