Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Kalamazoo, MI: $47.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Kalamazoo, MI runs $47.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,586 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Kalamazoo's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.8, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,148 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kalamazoo, the projected median hourly pay for civil engineers is $47.39, slightly below the national median of $49.76. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in the various environments common to civil engineering such as consulting offices, construction sites, and government facilities. For civil engineers working part-time, such as three days a week, this can translate to a more flexible work-life balance while still realizing a respectable income. The hourly range in Kalamazoo spans from approximately $33.00 for entry-level positions to $78.71 for seasoned professionals or specialists, reflecting the diversity in skills and experience within the field, as detailed in the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.00 | $263.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.43 | $307.48 |
| Median (P50) | $47.39 | $379.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.15 | $481.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.71 | $629.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalamazoo
Based on $47.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.39/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalamazoo, MI can expect to earn approximately $98,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,873. With a cost-of-living index of 94.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalamazoo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalamazoo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,895.78 | $8,215 | $98,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,137.47 | $4,929 | $59,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $758.31 | $3,286 | $39,432 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Kalamazoo) | $47.39 |
| 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 Kalamazoo, MI earn a median of $98,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.74% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 1.90% above the Michigan state average of $96,748.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.39/hr = $59,148/year (purchasing power: $62,366).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,581/year (purchasing power: $103,944).
CoL index: 94.84 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kalamazoo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Kalamazoo grew 28.5% from $35.95/hr (2019) to $46.18/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.64/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 Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo
When considering part-time work, a civil engineer in Kalamazoo dedicating 24 hours a week could expect to bring home a significant salary annually, which would differ quite a bit from a full-time position. The per diem civil engineer pay in Kalamazoo can soar, with freelance or contract civil engineers, especially those holding a PE license, charging anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour, while expert consultants may bill even higher for specialized work. The hourly rates typically vary across different employers, whether they be prestigious engineering consulting firms, federal agencies, or local public works departments. Many engineers may opt for lower hourly rates with the assurance of benefits, striking a balance between compensation and healthcare coverage. Those negotiating their pay in Kalamazoo should prepare to discuss not just their hourly rate but also the total compensation package, ensuring a fair deal that aligns with both market rates and personal career objectives.
More salary data for Kalamazoo, MI:
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 Kalamazoo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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