Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Socorro, TX: $38.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Socorro, TX runs $38.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Socorro's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,044 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Socorro, TX, civil engineer hourly pay is projected to hit a median of $38.50 in 2026, which represents a notable difference compared to the national median of $49.76. This rate reflects the reality for many engineers working part-time, such as those in consulting firms or governmental positions, who might typically engage in projects for three days a week. With an hourly range from $27.46 at the entry-level to around $59.68 for experienced professionals, these estimates provide opportunities for various work environments, including CAD-centric offices and field locations. As these figures are informed by projected annual salaries, they hint at potential earnings for civil engineers throughout Socorro, a market influenced by state infrastructure initiatives and local demand.
About the Socorro 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) | $27.46 | $219.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.17 | $249.35 |
| Median (P50) | $38.50 | $307.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.28 | $394.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.68 | $477.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Socorro
Based on $38.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.50/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Socorro, TX can expect to earn approximately $80,073 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,196. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Socorro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Socorro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.86 | $6,673 | $80,073 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.92 | $4,004 | $48,044 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.94 | $2,669 | $32,029 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Socorro) | $38.50 |
| 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 Socorro, TX earn a median of $80,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.62% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.70% below the Texas state average of $84,031.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.50/hr = $48,044/year (purchasing power: $50,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,073/year (purchasing power: $83,409).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Socorro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Socorro grew 15.8% from $32.38/hr (2019) to $37.51/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.51/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 Socorro 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 Socorro
Looking more closely at the economic landscape, part-time civil engineers working 24 hours a week in Socorro could bring home a significantly lower annual income compared to a full-time position, yet they maintain flexible schedules that cater to their preferences. For those billing through per diem arrangements, it's common to see rates anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour, particularly for contract work. Experts in niches such as structural investigations often command even higher rates, from $250 to $500, depending on the complexity of their deliverables. Various employer types in the area, including leading engineering firms like AECOM and Jacobs, offer differing hourly rates based on contract versus full-time positions. Civil engineers may negotiate higher fees when opting for less secure per diem contracts while forgoing benefits that typically accompany salaried employment. Those contemplating their pay should keep in mind the unique dynamics of the Socorro economy and the underlying principles that shapes both consulting and government roles in civil engineering.
More salary data for Socorro, 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 Socorro. 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 Socorro 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