Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Gilbert, AZ: $46.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Gilbert, AZ runs $46.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,181 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Gilbert's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,303 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gilbert, Arizona, the projected civil engineer hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $46.72. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $49.76, highlighting a slight regional disparity in compensation for civil engineers. The hourly earnings range from approximately $31.69 for entry-level positions to an impressive $72.42 for the most experienced professionals. Such rates are especially relevant for those seeking flexible working arrangements, as part-time civil engineers, working three days a week, can expect to earn substantial income across various settings, including consulting firm offices, construction sites, and governmental departments. Given the rise of remote and hybrid work environments, this hourly framework provides solid earning potential while allowing professionals the flexibility to balance work and personal commitments.
About the Gilbert Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.69 | $253.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.05 | $296.40 |
| Median (P50) | $46.72 | $373.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.80 | $478.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.42 | $579.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gilbert
Based on $46.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.72/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gilbert, AZ can expect to earn approximately $97,172 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,061. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gilbert.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gilbert
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,868.69 | $8,098 | $97,172 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,121.21 | $4,859 | $58,303 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $747.47 | $3,239 | $38,869 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Gilbert) | $46.72 |
| 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 Gilbert, AZ earn a median of $97,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.10% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 2.50% above the Arizona state average of $94,811.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.72/hr = $58,303/year (purchasing power: $59,191).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,172/year (purchasing power: $98,651).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Gilbert (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Gilbert grew 15.8% from $39.30/hr (2019) to $45.52/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.95/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 Gilbert 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 Gilbert
For engineers considering part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial earning of around $57,881 annually, substantially less than a full-time civil engineer's earnings but still competitive for the region. Per-diem civil engineer pay in Gilbert can vary significantly, with many professionals billing between $100 and $180 per hour, while expert witnesses or specialty consultants may earn between $150 and $500 per hour depending on their expertise. Different employer types also influence pay rates, with larger engineering consulting firms like Jacobs and AECOM often offering high-end compensation packages, though sometimes with fewer benefits compared to smaller firms or governmental positions. Civil engineers weighing their options should consider the trade-offs—choosing between higher hourly rates without benefits or lower rates with health coverage. Practical negotiation strategies include articulating the value of specialized skills and understanding local market rates, equipping professionals to secure favorable hourly terms amidst Gilbert's evolving infrastructure landscape.
More salary data for Gilbert, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Gilbert in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Gilbert?
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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 Gilbert. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gilbert is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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