Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Manchester, CT: $51.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Manchester, CT runs $51.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,051 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Manchester's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,233 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, CT, the projected median hourly pay for civil engineers is $51.47, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.76. This competitive hourly rate reflects the vibrant engineering market in the area, making it appealing for both full-time and part-time positions. Civil engineers typically work in a variety of environments, from consulting offices equipped with software tools like CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD to government agencies and on-site construction locations. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, the compensation could range from $34.29 to $79.77 per hour, aligning well with market expectations. As more professionals enter this field, understanding the potential hourly earnings—ranging from entry-level rates to top-tier compensation—will be crucial for existing and aspiring engineers in Manchester.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.29 | $274.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.16 | $321.27 |
| Median (P50) | $51.47 | $411.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.88 | $527.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79.77 | $638.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Manchester
Based on $51.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.47/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Manchester, CT can expect to earn approximately $107,055 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,763. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Manchester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Manchester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,058.76 | $8,921 | $107,055 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,235.25 | $5,353 | $64,233 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $823.50 | $3,569 | $42,822 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Manchester) | $51.47 |
| 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 Manchester, CT earn a median of $107,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $106,202.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.47/hr = $64,233/year (purchasing power: $59,530).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,055/year (purchasing power: $99,217).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Manchester grew 15.8% from $43.30/hr (2019) to $50.15/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.82/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 Manchester 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 Manchester
Exploring the specifics of part-time earnings reveals that a civil engineer working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $60,517 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart but still a substantial income. Many per diem civil engineers in Manchester might command hourly rates between $100 and $180, whereas experienced forensic engineers acting as expert witnesses can charge $250 to $500 an hour for specialized services. Rates can vary greatly depending on the employer; for instance, engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs often offer competitive hourly pay, while government positions may provide additional benefits that appeal to some individuals. Engineers weighing options may have to consider the trade-off between a higher hourly rate without benefits and a lower rate that includes health insurance. Negotiating effectively, while knowing local market standards and having clear expectations about benefits, can lead to more favorable arrangements in Manchester’s bustling engineering sector.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Manchester in 2026?
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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 Manchester. 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 Manchester 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