Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Caldwell, ID: $48.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Caldwell, ID runs $48.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,814 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Caldwell's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caldwell, Idaho, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.47, which places them slightly below the national hourly median of $49.76. This rate is reflective of the overall job market for civil engineers working in various environments such as construction site field offices, government agencies, and engineering consulting firms. Part-time civil engineers can expect to find lucrative opportunities working three days a week, and per-diem positions often allow for flexibility in day-to-day work while capitalizing on varying project demands. Entry-level positions start at approximately $31.03 per hour, while top earners can command rates as high as $75.13, demonstrating a wide range of potential earnings based on experience and project scope.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.03 | $248.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.63 | $317.00 |
| Median (P50) | $48.47 | $387.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.47 | $491.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.13 | $601.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Caldwell
Based on $48.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.47/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Caldwell, ID can expect to earn approximately $100,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,167. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Caldwell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Caldwell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,938.89 | $8,402 | $100,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,163.33 | $5,041 | $60,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.55 | $3,361 | $40,329 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Caldwell) | $48.47 |
| 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 Caldwell, ID earn a median of $100,814 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 0.80% above the Idaho state average of $100,014.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.47/hr = $60,493/year (purchasing power: $63,477).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,822/year (purchasing power: $105,794).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Caldwell grew 15.8% from $40.78/hr (2019) to $47.23/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.75/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 Caldwell 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 Caldwell
While full-time positions offer stability, part-time civil engineers working in Caldwell can take home significant annual income, even when working roughly 24 hours a week. For instance, a civil engineer in a per-diem role might bill between $100 and $180 per hour, significantly increasing potential earnings compared to standard positions. In contrast, specialty consultants, including those conducting geotechnical investigations, can charge hourly rates from $150 to $250, showcasing the variations in pay depending on the role. Additionally, civil engineers working for major firms or government agencies may receive benefits, which could influence their hourly pay compared to those preferring higher rates without health insurance. Effective negotiation strategies are essential in this market; understanding the balance of pay versus benefits can help civil engineers in Caldwell secure a favorable position that meets their financial and career aspirations.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
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 Caldwell. 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 Caldwell 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