Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $42.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Norfolk, NE runs $42.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,191 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, NE, civil engineer hourly pay is estimated to be $42.40, reflecting a regional workforce that slightly trails the national hourly median of $49.76. This wage provides a foundational income for various employment structures, whether in full-time roles or part-time work setups, such as a three-day workweek. For those working in consulting environments, typical duties may involve operating CAD systems or engaging in site evaluations, allowing for flexibility. Entry-level positions can start at approximately $31.64 per hour, progressing to around $64.84 for more experienced professionals. These hourly figures are derived from annual salaries, which emphasize how civil engineer compensation in Norfolk aligns with living costs that are below the national average.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.64 | $253.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.28 | $282.27 |
| Median (P50) | $42.40 | $339.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.24 | $425.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.84 | $518.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $42.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.40/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $88,185 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,876. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,695.86 | $7,349 | $88,185 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.51 | $4,409 | $52,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.34 | $2,939 | $35,274 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Norfolk) | $42.40 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $88,191 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $94,727.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.40/hr = $52,911/year (purchasing power: $57,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,185/year (purchasing power: $96,377).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Norfolk grew 15.8% from $35.66/hr (2019) to $41.31/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.51/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Considering part-time opportunities, a civil engineer in Norfolk who works three days a week could earn about $53,000 annually, a considerable figure yet substantially lower than full-time earnings. When accounting for flexibility in work arrangements, per-diem civil engineer pay in Norfolk often ranges significantly; 1099 or agency engineers may bill anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour, reflecting the experience and specialty of the work performed. Engineers engaged in niche areas, such as forensic analysis or geotechnical consulting, can command rates that push higher, from $150 to $500 per hour based on expertise. Hourly pay rates also vary by employer type, with established consulting firms and local government agencies generally offering different benefits packages and rate structures. Negotiating a better pay rate can hinge on clarity about one’s credentials, such as holding a PE license, and what benefits are valued—sometimes prioritizing higher hourly compensation over healthcare benefits, depending on individual circumstances.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Norfolk in 2026?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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