Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in San Marcos, TX: $50.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in San Marcos, TX runs $50.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,517 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in San Marcos, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $50.73, which slightly exceeds the national median of $49.76. This competitive rate allows for a balanced lifestyle, particularly for those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements. Working three days a week at this median rate translates into a solid income while still providing ample time for personal pursuits. In terms of pay range, entry-level roles may see hourly rates starting at $34.17, while experienced engineers can earn up to $78.64. These figures are derived from annual estimates and highlight the financial potential across various settings, including consulting firm offices equipped with CAD technology, government DOT offices, and construction site field offices in the region.
About the San Marcos 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) | $34.17 | $273.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.87 | $318.97 |
| Median (P50) | $50.73 | $405.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.65 | $517.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.64 | $629.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $50.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.73/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, TX can expect to earn approximately $105,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,876. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,029.20 | $8,793 | $105,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,217.52 | $5,276 | $63,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.68 | $3,517 | $42,207 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (San Marcos) | $50.73 |
| 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 San Marcos, TX earn a median of $105,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 25.60% above the Texas state average of $84,010.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.73/hr = $63,311/year (purchasing power: $65,949).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,518/year (purchasing power: $109,915).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in San Marcos grew 15.8% from $42.68/hr (2019) to $49.43/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.06/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 San Marcos 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 San Marcos
Various factors further influence civil engineer hourly rates in San Marcos. For instance, part-time civil engineers working a 24-hour week can earn around $63,135 annually, a substantial sum compared to full-time roles. Meanwhile, those in the per-diem sector often bill significantly higher; it's common for contracted civil engineers to charge $100-$180 per hour, while expert witnesses in structural or forensic engineering may command between $250-$500 per hour. Rates can differ widely depending on the employer, from engineering consulting giants like AECOM and Jacobs to Fortune 500 construction firms or local public works departments. Some engineers might prefer lower hourly pay from traditional employers offering solid health benefits over higher rates without support. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves understanding these dynamics, as well as being equipped for discussions about benefits and job security that can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for San Marcos, 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 San Marcos. 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 San Marcos 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