Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Lafayette, CO: $45.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Lafayette, CO runs $45.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,139 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Colorado, civil engineers are anticipated to earn a median hourly pay of $45.26 in 2026. This rate is slightly below the national average, which stands at $49.76 per hour. For civil engineers considering part-time work at three days a week, their compensation could translate to a significant annual amount depending on the hours worked. Using CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD programs in environments like consulting firms or government offices allows for flexibility, catering to a range from entry-level positions that earn around $29.71 per hour to highly experienced engineers who can command upwards of $70.15 per hour. This hourly rate framework provides a clear understanding of income potential within various working settings such as construction site offices or remote plan-checking tasks.
About the Lafayette 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) | $29.71 | $237.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.46 | $299.68 |
| Median (P50) | $45.26 | $362.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.42 | $451.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.15 | $561.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $45.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.26/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, CO can expect to earn approximately $94,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,312. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,810.39 | $7,845 | $94,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,086.24 | $4,707 | $56,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $724.16 | $3,138 | $37,656 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Lafayette) | $45.26 |
| 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 Lafayette, CO earn a median of $94,139 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.20% below the Colorado state average of $97,251.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.26/hr = $56,484/year (purchasing power: $53,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,140/year (purchasing power: $89,658).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Lafayette grew 15.8% from $38.07/hr (2019) to $44.10/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.45/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
Exploring the financial landscape further, a civil engineer working part-time for 24 hours each week would take home an estimated annual income of approximately $56,036. This contrasts sharply with full-time peers whose consistent hours yield significantly higher earnings. Per diem roles offer another lucrative avenue; civil engineers billing through 1099 contracts may charge between $100 and $180 per hour. Specialty areas of civil engineering can yield even higher pay, with expert witnesses in structural or forensic engineering billing rates that can reach $250 to $500 per hour. With this variety of work environments, including engineering consulting firms like AECOM and local public works departments, hourly rates differ widely based on employment type. Many engineers may opt for lower hourly rates that include comprehensive benefits, while others might prioritize hourly wages without benefits. For those in Lafayette negotiating their pay, being informed about industry standards and local demand is crucial for achieving favorable terms in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Lafayette, 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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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