Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Dartmouth, MA: $48.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Dartmouth, MA runs $48.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Dartmouth's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dartmouth, Massachusetts, civil engineers can expect a median hourly rate of $48.68 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49.76. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for civil engineers working part-time or per diem, as they often find themselves in settings such as consulting firm offices or construction site field offices. For those working three days a week, the pay translates to a meaningful income while allowing for a flexible schedule, which is often appealing for those balancing multiple commitments. The hourly rates range from $32.47 for entry-level positions to $75.45 for top earners, illustrating the diversity within the profession. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and reflect the evolving dynamics of the civil engineer hourly pay market in Dartmouth.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.47 | $259.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.71 | $301.65 |
| Median (P50) | $48.68 | $389.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.32 | $498.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.45 | $603.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dartmouth
Based on $48.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.68/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dartmouth, MA can expect to earn approximately $101,249 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,413. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dartmouth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dartmouth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,947.10 | $8,437 | $101,249 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.26 | $5,062 | $60,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.84 | $3,375 | $40,500 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Dartmouth) | $48.68 |
| 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 Dartmouth, MA earn a median of $101,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.16% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 2.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $103,962.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.68/hr = $60,749/year (purchasing power: $55,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,249/year (purchasing power: $93,317).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Dartmouth grew 15.8% from $40.95/hr (2019) to $47.43/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.96/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 Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
Part-time civil engineers working 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $37,564 annually, markedly less than their full-time counterparts but still viable for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem arrangements can significantly boost earnings, with civil engineers billing rates often reaching between $100 and $180 per hour, especially if they hold specialized expertise. Certain roles, like structural or forensic engineering, can command even higher fees, with rates ranging from $250 to $500 per hour. In Dartmouth, the variety of employers—from prestigious engineering firms to public works and private developers—creates a range of compensation structures. Some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly pay that offer benefits, while others chase higher hourly wages without such perks. When negotiating, it's crucial to consider the overall compensation package and the specific work environment that best aligns with lifestyle and career goals.
More salary data for Dartmouth, MA:
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 Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth 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