Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Brighton, CO: $44.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Brighton, CO runs $44.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,720 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Brighton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,626 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Brighton, CO, presents a competitive civil engineer hourly pay landscape, with a median rate of $44.57/hr, positioning it approximately 10.41% below the national median of $49.76/hr. This figure reflects a diverse range of earnings within the profession, where entry-level positions might begin around $31.84/hr, while seasoned engineers can command up to $69.09/hr. For those working part-time, such as a civil engineer clocking in at three days a week (about 24 hours), this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, while offering flexibility that can appeal to professionals balancing multiple commitments. Many civil engineers engage in work that spans various environments—from consulting firm offices that leverage advanced software like CAD and Revit, to remote or hybrid setups, ensuring accessibility to projects that range from local infrastructure to government contracts.
About the Brighton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.84 | $254.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.07 | $288.60 |
| Median (P50) | $44.57 | $356.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.06 | $456.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.09 | $552.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brighton
Based on $44.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.57/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brighton, CO can expect to earn approximately $92,710 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,487. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brighton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brighton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,782.89 | $7,726 | $92,710 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,069.73 | $4,636 | $55,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.16 | $3,090 | $37,084 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Brighton) | $44.57 |
| 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 Brighton, CO earn a median of $92,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.41% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $97,293.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.57/hr = $55,626/year (purchasing power: $52,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,710/year (purchasing power: $88,295).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Brighton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Brighton grew 15.8% from $37.50/hr (2019) to $43.43/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.74/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 Brighton 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 Brighton
Considerably higher earnings often accompany the roles of per-diem or agency civil engineers, who might bill between $100-$180/hr, reflecting the urgency and expertise required in specialized tasks. Experienced professionals, such as forensic engineers acting as expert witnesses, may charge upwards of $250-$500/hr. Hourly rates differ depending on the employer, with major consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs typically offering competitive pay, while local public works departments may provide lower rates but more extensive benefits. This trade-off can influence salary negotiations; engineers need to weigh stability and health insurance against potentially higher hourly wages that independent roles provide. Understanding the local market trends and preparing for negotiations are essential strategies for professionals seeking the best opportunities in Brighton and navigating the evolving landscape of civil engineering jobs.
More salary data for Brighton, CO:
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 Brighton. 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 Brighton 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