Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $48.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Salem, MA runs $48.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,096 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineer hourly pay in Salem, Massachusetts, stands at a median of $48.15, slightly below the national median of $49.76. This figure reflects the pay structure for professionals who may work part-time or on a per-diem basis in various settings such as consulting firm offices, construction sites, and governmental agencies. For a civil engineer working three days a week, their earnings enable a comfortable lifestyle while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for this occupation varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $35.18 and top earners potentially exceeding $74.64. These figures are derived from annual salary data and provide a snapshot of the financial landscape for civil engineers in Salem.
About the Salem 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) | $35.18 | $281.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.60 | $316.84 |
| Median (P50) | $48.15 | $385.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.81 | $478.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.64 | $597.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $48.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.15/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $100,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,785. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,926.16 | $8,347 | $100,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,155.70 | $5,008 | $60,096 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $770.46 | $3,339 | $40,064 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Salem) | $48.15 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $100,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $103,902.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.15/hr = $60,096/year (purchasing power: $55,388).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,160/year (purchasing power: $92,314).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Salem grew 15.8% from $40.51/hr (2019) to $46.92/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.42/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 Salem 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 Salem
For those considering part-time options, a civil engineer working 24 hours a week could potentially earn around $50,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time salary but providing a balance of work and personal time. Per-diem civil engineers in Salem can expect to earn significantly more, often billing between $100 and $180 per hour, depending on their specialization and experience. Structural and forensic engineers, particularly those providing expert witness services, might charge as much as $250 to $500 per hour. Hourly pay differs widely depending on whether engineers are employed by major consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs or by state and local public works departments. While higher hourly rates can be appealing, civil engineers often weigh these against the benefits of medical insurance and retirement plans that might accompany lower-paying full-time positions. When negotiating hourly rates in Salem, consider the strong demand fostered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and leverage your PE license for better opportunities.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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