Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Dover, NH: $51.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Dover, NH runs $51.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,375 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dover, New Hampshire, the projected median hourly pay for civil engineers in 2026 is $51.62, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.76. This competitive hourly rate positions local civil engineers favorably in the job market, particularly for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. Working three days a week, civil engineers focusing on consulting projects or field assessments could expect to earn a substantial income, reflecting their expertise in environments such as construction site offices or government DOT facilities. The hourly rates for civil engineers in Dover can vary significantly based on experience and specialization, ranging from $38.07 for entry-level positions to as high as $78.76 for more seasoned professionals, providing opportunities for growth within the field.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.07 | $304.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.67 | $341.39 |
| Median (P50) | $51.62 | $412.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.37 | $514.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.76 | $630.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $51.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.62/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, NH can expect to earn approximately $107,376 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,947. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,064.92 | $8,948 | $107,376 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,238.95 | $5,369 | $64,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $825.97 | $3,579 | $42,950 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Dover) | $51.62 |
| 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 Dover, NH earn a median of $107,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $111,039.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.62/hr = $64,425/year (purchasing power: $60,042).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,376/year (purchasing power: $100,070).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Dover grew 25.9% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $50.30/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.98/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 Dover 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 Dover
For those contemplating part-time work, a civil engineer in Dover working a three-day week, valuing 24 hours, would take home approximately $60,000 annually, showcasing the potential for a work-life balance while still earning a respectable income. Per-diem civil engineers in Dover can charge considerably higher rates, often ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, making such arrangements enticing for skilled professionals seeking flexibility. Experienced engineers serving as expert witnesses may command between $250 to $500 per hour, while specialty consulting firms in Dover frequently offer rates from $150 to $250 for niche services like geotechnical assessments. Understandably, hourly rates differ by employer, with engineering consulting firms generally providing competitive wages, while government positions might include benefits that can sway decisions for many engineers. Negotiating for an hourly role often requires balancing between higher pay without benefits and lower pay with a comprehensive benefits package.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
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 Dover. 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 Dover 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