Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $40.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Columbus, MS runs $40.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,401 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,042 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $40.10, which is significantly lower than the national median of $49.76. This disparity can have implications for part-time and per-diem positions within the field, especially in settings such as consulting firms, government offices, and remote project reviews. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, the earnings can be notable but limited, as the total hours would yield a smaller annual income than full-time roles. The hourly range for civil engineers in Columbus varies widely, from $27.34 at entry-level positions to $59.55 for seasoned professionals, reflecting both experience and the complexity of assigned tasks. These estimates are derived from the annual salary data and provide a glimpse into the potential earning landscape specific to this profession within the region.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.34 | $218.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.85 | $270.78 |
| Median (P50) | $40.10 | $320.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.39 | $395.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.55 | $476.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $40.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.10/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,403 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,117. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,603.90 | $6,950 | $83,403 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $962.34 | $4,170 | $50,042 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $641.56 | $2,780 | $33,361 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Columbus) | $40.10 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $83,401 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $88,725.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.10/hr = $50,042/year (purchasing power: $58,392).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,403/year (purchasing power: $97,320).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Columbus grew 15.8% from $33.73/hr (2019) to $39.07/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.15/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Examining the earning potential for part-time civil engineers in Columbus reveals significant financial trade-offs. For instance, a civil engineer working 24 hours per week, at $40.10 per hour, would take home about $50,200 annually, a fraction of what full-time engineers might earn. Furthermore, per-diem civil engineers in this area often find themselves billing anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour for short-term contracts. Specialized roles, such as structural and forensic engineers serving as expert witnesses, can command fees ranging from $250 to $500 per hour, emphasizing the premium associated with niche expertise. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on whether the engineer is employed by established consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs, Fortune 500 construction entities, or local governments. While some engineers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher compensation. Ultimately, effective negotiation strategies are essential for hourly workers to maximize their income potential, especially within a competitive market like Columbus, MS.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Columbus?
Are civil engineers in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in Columbus?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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