Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, VA: $45.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Fredericksburg, VA runs $45.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,471 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, the civil engineer hourly pay is set to reach a median of $45.25 in 2026, which reflects a slight disadvantage compared to the national median hourly rate of $49.76. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time civil engineers working three days a week, as well as those in per-diem positions, encompassing roles within consulting firms, government offices, and construction sites. The hourly pay ranges from $30.14 at the entry-level to $70.14 for top-earners, demonstrating a wide variance based largely on experience and the complexity of tasks performed. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and highlight how the local labor market adjusts in alignment with broader economic factors.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $30.14 | $241.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.78 | $302.22 |
| Median (P50) | $45.25 | $362.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.92 | $463.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.14 | $561.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $45.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.25/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $94,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,299. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,809.98 | $7,843 | $94,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,085.99 | $4,706 | $56,471 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.99 | $3,137 | $37,648 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Fredericksburg) | $45.25 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $94,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.06% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $96,631.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.25/hr = $56,471/year (purchasing power: $54,720).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,119/year (purchasing power: $91,201).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Fredericksburg grew 15.8% from $38.07/hr (2019) to $44.09/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.44/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
For civil engineers in Fredericksburg contemplating part-time work, a three-day week (approximately 24 hours) could yield an annual income around $56,700, significantly less than full-time earning potential but still considerable for those seeking flexibility. In contrast, per-diem civil engineers often command higher hourly rates ranging from $100 to $180, with specialized roles such as structural or forensic engineers billing up to $500 per hour for expert witness testimony. Hourly rates vary by employer type, with large engineering consulting firms and national construction companies generally offering higher compensation compared to local public works departments. Engineers who prioritize health benefits may accept lower hourly rates, while others may negotiate for higher pay without benefits. It's crucial for professionals to understand the local market dynamics and be prepared to advocate for their worth in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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