Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Renton, WA: $54.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Renton, WA runs $54.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,514 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Renton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,114 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineers in Renton, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $54.58, which is notably higher than the national median hourly wage of $49.76. This means that civil engineers in Renton have a favorable earning potential, particularly for those engaged in part-time work or per-diem positions, which frequently occur in consulting firm offices or onsite construction management. For part-time engineers working three days per week, they could expect to earn approximately $43,650 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. The hourly range spans from $35.63 for entry-level positions to $84.59 for top-tier engineers, reflecting the diverse opportunities available across various work settings, including government departments and hybrid remote work setups.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.63 | $285.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.99 | $335.89 |
| Median (P50) | $54.58 | $436.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.84 | $558.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.59 | $676.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Renton
Based on $54.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.58/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Renton, WA can expect to earn approximately $113,524 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,494. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Renton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Renton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,183.15 | $9,460 | $113,524 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,309.89 | $5,676 | $68,114 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $873.26 | $3,784 | $45,409 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Renton) | $54.58 |
| 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 Renton, WA earn a median of $113,514 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.68% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $110,637.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.58/hr = $68,114/year (purchasing power: $63,421).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,524/year (purchasing power: $105,702).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Renton grew 15.8% from $45.91/hr (2019) to $53.18/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.01/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 Renton 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 Renton
Taking on a part-time schedule can provide an appealing income for civil engineers while allowing the flexibility to pursue other interests or projects. Specifically, a civil engineer working 24 hours a week can comfortably bring home around $43,650 annually, compared to a full-time counterpart who may earn considerably more. Additionally, many civil engineers opting for per-diem or agency work may find billing rates significantly higher, often falling between $100 and $180 per hour for standard projects, with specialty roles commanding even more—sometimes up to $500 per hour for expert witness services. Employment settings influence earning potential heavily; firms such as AECOM and Jacobs may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits like health insurance, whereas private consulting or contracting roles often permit higher pay without benefits. For engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, understanding the nuances of hourly contract negotiations in Renton can lead to better compensation strategies aligned with their career goals.
More salary data for Renton, WA:
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 Renton. 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 Renton 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