Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $43.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in River Falls, WI runs $43.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,576 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,345 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, the civil engineer hourly pay is projected to be $43.55 in 2026, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $49.76. This figure is particularly relevant for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions, as it translates into approximately $1,740 per week for a civil engineer working three days a week. Typical work environments include consulting firm offices equipped with advanced design software such as CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD, as well as on-site roles at construction locations, or remote capabilities for project management and evaluation. The hourly range for civil engineers in River Falls varies, with entry-level positions starting around $29.84 per hour, progressing up to about $67.50 per hour for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diversity of experience and responsibilities within the profession.
About the River Falls 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) | $29.84 | $238.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.88 | $287.04 |
| Median (P50) | $43.55 | $348.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.28 | $442.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.50 | $540.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $43.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.55/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $90,575 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,255. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,741.84 | $7,548 | $90,575 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,045.10 | $4,529 | $54,345 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $696.73 | $3,019 | $36,230 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (River Falls) | $43.55 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $90,576 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.48% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,153.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.55/hr = $54,345/year (purchasing power: $58,186).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,575/year (purchasing power: $96,976).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in River Falls grew 15.8% from $36.63/hr (2019) to $42.43/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.69/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Examining the financial landscape for part-time civil engineers reveals significant earning potential. A civil engineer working 24 hours a week might earn around $54,166 a year, contrasting sharply with the full-time average. Meanwhile, per diem civil engineer pay in River Falls can be quite lucrative, with professionals operating on a contract basis billing between $100 to $180 per hour. Esteemed structural or forensic engineers serving as expert witnesses can demand elevated fees of $250 to $500 per hour, while niche consulting services like hydraulic studies often command $150 to $250 per hour. Hourly rates can differ across employer types, whether in engineering consulting firms, government departments, or private development sectors. Many engineers accept lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. To negotiate effectively, professionals should understand the local job market and the specific demands of the position they are pursuing.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in River Falls?
Are civil engineers in River Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in River Falls?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in River Falls?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 River Falls. 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 River Falls 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