Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Middleton, WI: $42.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Middleton, WI runs $42.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Middleton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middleton, Wisconsin, a civil engineer earns a median hourly rate of $42.72, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly pay of $49.76. This difference reflects the local economic landscape and could impact those looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For part-time engineers working three days a week, or 24 hours, their earnings would be approximately $53,181 annually, providing a viable option for professionals desiring flexibility. The hourly range for civil engineers in Middleton spans from $31.55 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $66.23 for top earners (90th percentile), which allows for career progression. Engineers typically find themselves in various settings, including consulting firm offices equipped with CAD/Revit/AutoCAD workstations, on construction sites, or even in remote plan-checking roles. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data to emphasize the options available for professionals in this field.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.55 | $252.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.17 | $281.37 |
| Median (P50) | $42.72 | $341.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.21 | $433.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.23 | $529.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middleton
Based on $42.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.72/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middleton, WI can expect to earn approximately $88,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,270. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Middleton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middleton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,708.99 | $7,406 | $88,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,025.40 | $4,443 | $53,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.60 | $2,962 | $35,547 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Middleton) | $42.72 |
| 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 Middleton, WI earn a median of $88,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.13% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,076.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.72/hr = $53,321/year (purchasing power: $57,088).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,868/year (purchasing power: $95,147).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Middleton grew 15.8% from $35.94/hr (2019) to $41.63/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.85/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 Middleton 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 Middleton
Looking at the potential income for a part-time civil engineer in Middleton, someone working just three days a week can expect to take home a solid income that could pair well with other ventures or personal commitments. However, those considering the per-diem route may find opportunities that dramatically increase their hourly income. Many per-diem civil engineers bill rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, with specialized roles, such as experienced structural or forensic engineers acting as expert witnesses, potentially earning $250 to $500 per hour. Various employer types influence hourly rates, with engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs providing competitive pay scales, while public agencies may offer stability and benefits that can be attractive despite a lower hourly rate. When negotiating pay, understanding the balance between hourly rates and benefits is crucial; some engineers accept lower hourly terms in exchange for comprehensive health benefits. Being informed and strategic in negotiations can lead to better offers, ensuring that civil engineers in Middleton achieve a favorable work-life balance while maximizing their professional earning potential.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
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 Middleton. 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 Middleton 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