Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Ashburn, VA: $45.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Ashburn, VA runs $45.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Ashburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashburn, Virginia, civil engineers enjoy a median hourly rate of $45.51, reflecting a competitive landscape compared to the national median of $49.76. This rate positions local professionals well for diverse work opportunities, especially those seeking part-time gigs or per-diem positions within consulting firms, construction sites, government offices, and specialty engineering environments. For engineers working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into flexible and appealing options for balancing both professional and personal commitments. The hourly range is notable, starting at about $31.78 for entry-level positions and reaching as high as $70.54 for those at the top of their game in the profession, emphasizing the potential for growth within the civil engineering field in the region.
About the Ashburn Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.78 | $254.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.61 | $292.86 |
| Median (P50) | $45.51 | $364.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.24 | $465.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.54 | $564.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ashburn
Based on $45.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.51/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ashburn, VA can expect to earn approximately $94,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,607. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ashburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ashburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,820.25 | $7,888 | $94,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,092.15 | $4,733 | $56,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $728.10 | $3,155 | $37,861 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Ashburn) | $45.51 |
| 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 Ashburn, VA earn a median of $94,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.54% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $96,681.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.51/hr = $56,792/year (purchasing power: $55,031).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,653/year (purchasing power: $91,718).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Ashburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Ashburn grew 15.8% from $38.28/hr (2019) to $44.34/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.70/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 Ashburn 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 Ashburn
Considering payment structures, part-time civil engineers in Ashburn can expect to earn around $52,000 annually for 24 hours of work per week. This contrasts significantly with full-time earnings. Per-diem civil engineers, particularly those on a 1099 basis, frequently charge rates between $100 and $180 per hour, with specialized areas such as structural or forensic engineering commanding even higher fees, reaching $250 to $500 per hour. The type of employer plays a crucial role in determining hourly rates, with engineering consulting firms and Fortune 500 construction companies often providing competitive salaries, while state and federal government roles may offer better benefits despite lower rates. Moreover, there is a delicate balance between higher hourly wages without benefits versus stable employment with insurance, prompting many civil engineers to negotiate carefully based on their personal situations. Engaging effectively with potential employers in Ashburn demands a tailored approach to highlight one's qualifications and understand the local market dynamics.
More salary data for Ashburn, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Ashburn in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Ashburn?
Are civil engineers in Ashburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in Ashburn?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Ashburn?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Ashburn. 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 Ashburn 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