Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Norristown, PA: $45.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Norristown, PA runs $45.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,473 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Norristown's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Norristown, PA, civil engineers command a median hourly rate of $45.42, which positions them below the national median of $49.76. This difference can impact professionals considering part-time options, such as a three-day work week, where earnings would shift accordingly. For part-time civil engineers, working typically around 24 hours a week allows flexibility, particularly in environments like government offices or construction site field offices equipped for CAD and design tasks. Entry-level positions might earn around $29.82 per hour, while highly experienced engineers can reach up to $69.45 per hour. The range of hourly pay reflects varying responsibilities and employer types, illustrating the diverse opportunities within the civil engineering sector.
About the Norristown 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) | $29.82 | $238.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.63 | $301.08 |
| Median (P50) | $45.42 | $363.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.69 | $453.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.45 | $555.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norristown
Based on $45.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.42/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norristown, PA can expect to earn approximately $94,482 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,509. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norristown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norristown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,816.96 | $7,873 | $94,482 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.18 | $4,724 | $56,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.78 | $3,149 | $37,793 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Norristown) | $45.42 |
| 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 Norristown, PA earn a median of $94,473 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.71% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.10% below the Pennsylvania state average of $97,495.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.42/hr = $56,689/year (purchasing power: $58,202).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,482/year (purchasing power: $97,004).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Norristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Norristown grew 15.8% from $38.21/hr (2019) to $44.26/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.62/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 Norristown 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 Norristown
When evaluating the part-time earning potential for a civil engineer working in Norristown, annual income can differ drastically compared to full-time roles. A part-time salary derived from working 3 days a week often results in annual earnings significantly less than a full-time professional, which emphasizes the need for precise budgeting. For those engaged in per-diem work, the landscape is even more lucrative. Per diem civil engineers in this area typically bill between $100-$180 per hour, while specialized fields such as structural or forensic engineering can attract rates soaring up to $500. The variation in hourly rates often depends on employer type—averaging higher at large engineering consulting firms or federal agencies compared to smaller private developers. Given these dynamics, some engineers may opt for lower hourly pay that includes benefits. In negotiating civil engineer hourly pay in Norristown, understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and overall compensation packages can be essential for making informed career choices.
More salary data for Norristown, 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 Norristown. 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 Norristown 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