Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $46.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Blacksburg, VA runs $46.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,008 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
The civil engineer hourly pay in Blacksburg, VA, stands at a median of $46.48, which is slightly lower compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.76. For professionals in this field, this hourly figure translates into various working setups, whether full-time, part-time, or as per-diem employees. Many civil engineers may find themselves in environments like consulting firms or government offices, engaging in tasks that require proficiency in design software like CAD or Revit, where part-time workers can expect to earn an hourly rate anywhere from $30.25 at the entry level to $75.54 for seasoned experts. These official figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reflect not only the competitive nature of the market but also the potential for civil engineers to adapt their work arrangements based on personal preferences or career aspirations.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.25 | $241.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.12 | $296.97 |
| Median (P50) | $46.48 | $371.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.54 | $460.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75.54 | $604.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $46.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.48/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $96,681 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,777. With a cost-of-living index of 92.71 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,859.25 | $8,057 | $96,681 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,115.55 | $4,834 | $58,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $743.70 | $3,223 | $38,672 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Blacksburg) | $46.48 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $96,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.59% lower than the national median of $103,492.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.48/hr = $58,008/year (purchasing power: $62,570).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,681/year (purchasing power: $104,283).
CoL index: 92.71 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Blacksburg grew 17.2% from $38.63/hr (2019) to $45.29/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.70/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
Analyzing the earnings potential, a civil engineer working part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, could realistically bring home a year-end income that reflects their flexibility. In financial terms, this kind of part-time commitment can yield a considerable annual salary, even at a reduced hourly rate. Conversely, the per-diem civil engineer pay in Blacksburg can elevate earnings significantly; many professionals billing on a 1099 basis charge between $100 to $180 per hour, with expert fields such as structural analysis or forensics earning upwards of $250 to $500 per hour. Employers vary widely: engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs tend to offer stability but at lower rates than the maximum rates found in the private sector. Negotiating for a higher hourly rate often requires balancing immediate financial gain with long-term benefits like health insurance through full-time positions. This careful consideration is crucial for civil engineers weighing their options in the dynamic job market in Blacksburg.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
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 Blacksburg. 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