Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $47.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Thornton, CO runs $47.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,800 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,276 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, civil engineers earn a median hourly wage of $47.50, which is slightly below the national median of $49.76. This rate reflects the nuances of the local job market and cost of living, estimated at a 105 index. For part-time civil engineers working three days a week, this translates to potential earnings that can support a flexible work schedule while still being competitive. Typical employment settings include consulting firm offices equipped with CAD/Revit/AutoCAD workstations, construction site field offices, and government agencies, offering diverse environments for engineers. The hourly pay range spans from $30.25 for entry-level positions to $73.63 for the most experienced, indicating both ample opportunities for advancement and diversity in project types across various sectors.
About the Thornton 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) | $30.25 | $241.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.96 | $287.69 |
| Median (P50) | $47.50 | $379.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.80 | $486.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.63 | $589.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $47.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.50/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $98,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,997. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,899.89 | $8,233 | $98,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,139.93 | $4,940 | $59,276 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $759.95 | $3,293 | $39,518 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Thornton) | $47.50 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $98,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $97,244.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.50/hr = $59,276/year (purchasing power: $56,454).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,794/year (purchasing power: $94,090).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Thornton grew 15.8% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $46.28/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.75/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
When it comes to earning potential in Thornton, part-time civil engineers can find themselves making a robust living. A civil engineer working 24 hours a week at the median rate brings in about $57,600 annually, markedly less than a full-time colleague but still substantial. On the other hand, per diem civil engineers in the area can command much higher rates, often between $100 and $180 per hour. For specialized roles, particularly in structural or forensic engineering, fees can soar to an impressive $250-$500 per hour. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on whether one works for a consulting firm like AECOM or Jacobs, a Fortune 500 construction company like Bechtel, or a government entity such as local public works. It’s crucial for professionals to weigh the benefits of higher pay against health insurance and retirement options typically offered by full-time positions. Negotiating hourly rates effectively, considering the unique market dynamics in CO, can lead to improved compensation packages, especially for those with a PE license looking to elevate their careers within competitive sectors.
More salary data for Thornton, 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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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