Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $49.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Bethlehem, PA runs $49.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,827 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,299 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, civil engineers command a median hourly rate of $49.92, slightly above the national median of $49.76. This compensation reflects the city's competitive position in the engineering sector, offering lucrative opportunities not just for full-time positions but also for part-time and per-diem work. For example, civil engineers working on a per-diem basis might find themselves in environments that include consulting firm offices, government agencies, and construction sites, utilizing advanced design software like CAD and Revit. Hourly rates in Bethlehem vary significantly, ranging from $33.70 for entry-level positions to as high as $77.37 for more seasoned professionals. These figures, derived from projected annual salary estimates, highlight the robust range of earning potential available in the region.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.70 | $269.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.29 | $314.29 |
| Median (P50) | $49.92 | $399.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.68 | $509.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.37 | $618.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $49.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.92/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $103,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,903. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,996.77 | $8,653 | $103,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,198.06 | $5,192 | $62,299 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $798.71 | $3,461 | $41,533 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Bethlehem) | $49.92 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $103,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.32% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 6.40% above the Pennsylvania state average of $97,581.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.92/hr = $62,299/year (purchasing power: $63,962).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,832/year (purchasing power: $106,604).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Bethlehem grew 15.8% from $41.99/hr (2019) to $48.64/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.23/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
For civil engineers contemplating part-time employment, the income potential can still be considerable. A civil engineer working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, might take home around $62,000 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, the per-diem framework offers a different set of earning opportunities. Licensed professional engineers often charge between $100 and $180 for per diem work, while expert witnesses in structural and forensic engineering can command rates between $250 and $500 per hour. Different employer types, such as top consulting firms (like AECOM and Jacobs), construction giants (including Bechtel), and government agencies, can significantly impact hourly wages. Some professionals may opt for lower rates when benefits like health insurance are included. For civil engineers in Bethlehem, effectively negotiating your hourly rate is vital—consider the firm’s budget and the project scope when discussing compensation to ensure fair pay while maintaining a workable relationship with your employer.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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