Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Flagstaff, AZ: $49.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Flagstaff, AZ runs $49.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,626 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Flagstaff's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,171 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Flagstaff, AZ, civil engineer hourly pay reaches a median of $49.82, slightly above the national median of $49.76. This competitive pay allows for various work arrangements, making it an appealing option for both part-time and per diem workers within the industry. Those working three days a week can find themselves earning a comfortable side income through roles typically based in consulting firms' offices, government departments, or on construction sites. Entry-level civil engineers might start at around $32.14 per hour, while top earners can see rates up to $71.76. This official BLS data for 2026 reflects an optimistic outlook for the profession in the region, spurred by ongoing infrastructure needs and project demand.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.14 | $257.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.47 | $331.78 |
| Median (P50) | $49.82 | $398.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.29 | $450.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.76 | $574.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Flagstaff
Based on $49.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.82/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Flagstaff, AZ can expect to earn approximately $103,619 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,780. With a cost-of-living index of 100.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Flagstaff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Flagstaff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,992.66 | $8,635 | $103,619 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.60 | $5,181 | $62,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $797.07 | $3,454 | $41,447 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Flagstaff) | $49.82 |
| 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 Flagstaff, AZ earn a median of $103,626 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 9.30% above the Arizona state average of $94,808.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.82/hr = $62,171/year (purchasing power: $61,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,619/year (purchasing power: $103,283).
CoL index: 100.325 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Flagstaff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Flagstaff grew 34.7% from $36.04/hr (2019) to $48.54/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.13/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 Flagstaff 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 Flagstaff
When it comes to annual earnings, part-time civil engineers in Flagstaff can expect significant variation based on their chosen work model. For example, working a 24-hour week could yield nearly $62,000 a year, which is impressive for part-time roles. On the other hand, per diem civil engineer pay in Flagstaff can vary widely, with many professionals billing between $100 and $180 per hour, while seasoned structural or forensic engineers can command rates of $250 to $500 per hour as expert witnesses. Different employers in the area, such as engineering consulting firms or local public works departments, influence hourly rates due to differing budget constraints and project scopes. Many engineers must weigh the benefits of steady employment, like health insurance, against potentially higher hourly wages available through freelance or contract work, necessitating negotiation skills to secure favorable terms. Understanding these dynamics can empower civil engineers in Flagstaff to make informed career decisions.
More salary data for Flagstaff, AZ:
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 Flagstaff. 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