Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Kalispell, MT: $39.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Kalispell, MT runs $39.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,033 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Kalispell's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kalispell, Montana, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $39.92, which falls significantly below the national median of $49.76. This discrepancy highlights the regional market dynamics and cost of living factors in Kalispell, where the cost of living index stands at 96.2, indicating a more affordable living environment compared to the national average. Those working part-time—say three days a week—will find varying income potential depending on their specific projects and employer settings. Positions may include consulting firms with advanced design work, field offices in construction, or roles with government agencies. The hourly range for civil engineers in the area spans from $28.09 for entry-level professionals up to $59.18 for the highest earners, reflecting a broad spectrum of experience and responsibilities.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.09 | $224.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.99 | $255.92 |
| Median (P50) | $39.92 | $319.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.98 | $391.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.18 | $473.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kalispell
Based on $39.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.92/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kalispell, MT can expect to earn approximately $83,040 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,908. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kalispell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kalispell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,596.92 | $6,920 | $83,040 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.15 | $4,152 | $49,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.77 | $2,768 | $33,216 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Kalispell) | $39.92 |
| 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 Kalispell, MT earn a median of $83,033 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.77% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $86,945.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.92/hr = $49,824/year (purchasing power: $51,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,040/year (purchasing power: $86,320).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Kalispell grew 15.8% from $33.58/hr (2019) to $38.90/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.97/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 Kalispell 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 Kalispell
Considering a part-time schedule of 24 hours per week, a civil engineer in Kalispell could gross approximately $49,990 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. For those pursuing per-diem roles, the pay scales can vary widely; civil engineers working on a 1099 basis often charge between $100 and $180 per hour, while seasoned experts in structural or forensic engineering may command rates from $250 to $500 per hour when acting as expert witnesses. Depending on the employer—whether consulting firms like AECOM, construction giants like Bechtel, or local government entities—the hourly rates can fluctuate. Many engineers might opt for positions that offer lower hourly pay yet provide benefits, favoring stability and medical coverage over a higher take-home pay. When negotiating, potential hires in Kalispell should emphasize their unique qualifications and local experiences to secure the best possible rates, while also considering the implications of project-based versus salaried employment.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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 Kalispell. 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 Kalispell 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