Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $44.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $44.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,641 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,588 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Civil engineers in Lake Ridge, Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $44.54, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.76. This difference reflects the local job market's dynamics, taking into account the area's cost of living and demand for civil engineering services. For part-time civil engineers, typically working three days a week, this rate translates into a stable income, especially when supplemented by project-based work common in consulting firms and various engineering offices. The hourly rates for engineers range from $30.85 for entry-level positions to $69.04 for experienced professionals, allowing for significant earning potential based on skill level and project complexity. The estimates from the annual salaries provide a practical framework for understanding how civil engineers in Lake Ridge can earn competitive pay within their field.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.34 | $282.68 |
| Median (P50) | $44.54 | $356.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.73 | $453.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.04 | $552.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $44.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.54/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $92,646 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,450. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,781.66 | $7,721 | $92,646 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,068.99 | $4,632 | $55,588 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $712.66 | $3,088 | $37,058 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Lake Ridge) | $44.54 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $92,641 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.48% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $96,703.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.54/hr = $55,588/year (purchasing power: $53,864).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,646/year (purchasing power: $89,773).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Lake Ridge grew 15.8% from $37.47/hr (2019) to $43.40/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.71/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
Part-time civil engineers working in Lake Ridge, when engaged for 24 hours weekly, might take home about $55,500 annually, far less than their full-time counterparts but still a respectable income that allows for flexibility. Furthermore, per-diem civil engineers often operate on a different pay scale; they can command rates between $100 and $180 per hour, with seasoned experts in structural or forensic engineering billing even more as consultants or expert witnesses, sometimes reaching $250 to $500 hourly. Different employers affect hourly pay; consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs may offer competitive rates, while state and federal roles might provide more stable benefits, albeit at lower hourly pay. For those negotiating their pay in Lake Ridge, understanding the local job market and recognizing the trade-offs between hourly rates and associated benefits can make all the difference in securing a favorable compensation package.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, 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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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