Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Little Elm, TX: $39.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Little Elm, TX runs $39.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,502 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Little Elm's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Little Elm, TX, the civil engineer hourly pay stands at a median of $39.18, considerably lower than the national median of $49.76. This disparity highlights the competitive nature of the local market, especially for part-time workers, who may take on roles in consulting firms, government offices, or hybrid settings. For those in this profession working three days a week, the flexibility allows for a balanced lifestyle, but it results in a lower annual income compared to full-time positions. The hourly rate ranges from $25.89 for entry-level positions to $60.15 for top earners, which shows the growth potential within the field. It’s essential for emerging engineers to recognize their worth and negotiate effectively for salaries that reflect their skills and contributions based on these projections.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.89 | $207.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.55 | $260.43 |
| Median (P50) | $39.18 | $313.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.96 | $391.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.15 | $481.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Elm
Based on $39.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.18/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Elm, TX can expect to earn approximately $81,503 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,021. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Elm.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Elm
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,567.37 | $6,792 | $81,503 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $940.42 | $4,075 | $48,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $626.95 | $2,717 | $32,601 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Little Elm) | $39.18 |
| 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 Little Elm, TX earn a median of $81,502 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.25% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $84,022.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.18/hr = $48,902/year (purchasing power: $50,939).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,503/year (purchasing power: $84,899).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Little Elm grew 15.8% from $32.96/hr (2019) to $38.18/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.21/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 Little Elm 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 Little Elm
For professionals looking at part-time opportunities, working a 24-hour week results in an annual take-home significantly lower than a full-time salary, which can impact job choices and financial planning. Per-diem civil engineers commonly charge between $100 and $180 an hour, while specialists in forensic engineering may find rates jumping to between $250 and $500 hourly. In Little Elm, the variety in employer types—from engineering consulting firms to state DOTs and private developers—can lead to greater discrepancies in pay. Engineers may weigh the benefits of positions that offer lower pay but comprehensive health benefits against higher-paying roles without such perks. Negotiation strategies can vary but being aware of the average hourly rate and understanding the local market dynamics can empower civil engineers to secure positions that align with their financial and career aspirations.
More salary data for Little Elm, 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 Little Elm. 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 Little Elm 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