Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $52.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in University Place, WA runs $52.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,091 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in University Place, Washington, earn a median hourly rate of $52.16, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.76. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled engineers, especially in roles that involve working in settings such as construction site offices, consulting firms, and government departments. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) allows for a substantial income while maintaining flexibility. Entry-level civil engineers may earn around $35.38 per hour, while experienced professionals can command as much as $80.84 hourly, demonstrating significant earning potential within this field in University Place.
About the University Place 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) | $35.38 | $283.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.84 | $326.69 |
| Median (P50) | $52.16 | $417.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.79 | $518.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.84 | $646.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $52.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.16/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $108,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,588. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,086.26 | $9,040 | $108,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,251.76 | $5,424 | $65,091 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.51 | $3,616 | $43,394 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (University Place) | $52.16 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $108,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.83% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $110,587.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.16/hr = $65,091/year (purchasing power: $60,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,486/year (purchasing power: $101,011).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in University Place grew 15.8% from $43.88/hr (2019) to $50.82/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.53/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 University Place 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 University Place
Analyzing the income dynamics for civil engineers reveals a complex picture, particularly for part-time professionals. A civil engineer working 24 hours per week at the median rate would see an annual take-home considerably less than their full-time counterparts, affecting long-term financial planning. Per-diem civil engineering roles can be lucrative, with rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour for general work, and seasoned experts in forensic analysis or specialized consulting can bill upwards of $250 to $500 per hour. Hourly rates vary significantly based on the type of employer in University Place, from engineering firms like Jacobs to governmental agencies and private developers. Many engineers accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can be a critical trade-off for those prioritizing job security. Negotiating hourly pay requires a strategic approach, emphasizing the value of experience and certifications, such as a PE license, which can substantially elevate earnings.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in University Place in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in University Place?
Are civil engineers in University Place paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in University Place?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in University Place?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 University Place. 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 University Place 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