Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $49.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Houston, TX runs $49.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,158 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Houston, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $49.81, slightly higher than the national median of $49.76. This competitive hourly pay reflects the city's active role in infrastructure development fueled by federal investments and local construction projects. For those working part-time, such as a civil engineer clocking in three days a week, this translates into substantial earning potential, allowing flexibility while maintaining a strong income. Per-diem civil engineers, typically active in consulting firms, construction sites, or local government offices, can expect to see an hourly range from $33.18 at entry-level positions to about $83.02 for the top earners with extensive experience in specialized fields. Such data comes directly from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.18 | $265.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.48 | $315.85 |
| Median (P50) | $49.81 | $398.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.63 | $517.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.02 | $664.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $49.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.81/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $103,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,768. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,992.25 | $8,633 | $103,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.35 | $5,180 | $62,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.90 | $3,453 | $41,439 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Houston) | $49.81 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $103,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.11% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 23.40% above the Texas state average of $83,959.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.81/hr = $62,158/year (purchasing power: $63,022).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,597/year (purchasing power: $105,037).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Houston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Houston grew 4.0% from $46.68/hr (2019) to $48.53/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.12/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 Houston 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 Houston
Examining the earning trajectory for civil engineers reveals compelling possibilities. Working part-time at 24 hours a week, a civil engineer would net approximately $62,046 annually, a figure that showcases the feasibility of a balanced work-life approach while earning a respectable paycheck. On the other hand, per-diem, agency, or locum workers in this field can command even higher rates; those billing between $100 and $180 an hour for standard duties can substantially boost their income. Experienced professionals often achieve rates of $250 to $500 per hour when serving as expert witnesses in technical matters. Hourly pay can vary significantly based on the type of employer, with leading consulting firms tooting different pay scales than state DOTs or private developers. Engineers may choose between lower hourly rates at established firms that offer comprehensive benefits or opt for independent contracting roles that provide broader earning potential but with the absence of health insurance and retirement plans. Negotiation becomes a vital skill in this context; understanding the market rates and having clear benchmarks from similar roles can empower engineers to secure desirable pay arrangements in Houston's competitive environment.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 Houston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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