Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $44.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Cortland, NY runs $44.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,781 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,665 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineers in Cortland, NY, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $44.60, which falls short of the national median of $49.76. This rate reflects the typical work environments for civil engineers such as consulting firms, construction site offices, and government department locations, which often utilize advanced tools like CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD. Civil engineering positions in Cortland will generally offer a salary range from approximately $32.64 per hour for entry-level roles to around $67.27 for the most experienced professionals. Those seeking part-time positions, such as working three days a week, can anticipate a substantial paychecks while enjoying a more flexible schedule. For civil engineers engaged in per-diem work or temporary assignments, the hourly pay may vary significantly based on contract specifics and project demands, positioning them well within the local market.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.64 | $261.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.51 | $292.04 |
| Median (P50) | $44.60 | $356.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.38 | $451.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.27 | $538.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $44.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.60/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $92,774 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,524. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,784.12 | $7,731 | $92,774 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,070.47 | $4,639 | $55,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $713.65 | $3,092 | $37,110 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Cortland) | $44.60 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $92,781 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.35% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $100,739.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.60/hr = $55,665/year (purchasing power: $48,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,774/year (purchasing power: $80,047).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Cortland grew 15.8% from $37.52/hr (2019) to $43.46/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.78/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
When exploring civil engineer hourly pay in Cortland, the potential for part-time work becomes evident. A civil engineer working 24 hours a week would see an annual income of about $55,228, offering a comfortable living while maintaining work-life balance. Per-diem civil engineers frequently command higher rates, billing anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour under 1099 arrangements, with specialized roles like structural expert witnesses even attracting fees of $250 to $500 per hour. The nature of employment impacts these rates, with consultants in firms like AECOM and Jacobs often providing competitive compensation, while public sector roles in local utilities may prioritize job security and benefits amidst more modest pay. Understanding these differences in hourly civil engineer compensation not only helps candidates negotiate effectively for their desired roles in Cortland but also highlights the trade-offs related to benefits, job flexibility, and professional growth in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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