Civil Engineer Salary in Manchester, CT: $107,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Manchester, CT earns a median $107,051/year (≈ $51.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $99,213 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manchester, Connecticut, civil engineer salaries reflect a diverse employment landscape influenced by key industry players. With a projected median annual salary of $107,051 for 2026, the compensation distinctly aligns with the local demand for civil engineers across consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, government roles with the state Department of Transportation, and various construction companies. The salary range spans from $71,312 at the 10th percentile to $165,929 at the 90th percentile, covering a wide spectrum of opportunities from entry-level positions to experienced roles. The figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional cost adjustments that characterize Manchester's market. With an economic landscape bolstered by contracts related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the job market for civil engineers showcases a promising outlook for both new and seasoned professionals.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,312 | $34.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,533 | $40.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,051 | $51.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,025 | $65.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165,929 | $79.77 |
Median Salary Position
3.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, CT, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,617 (2026 est.). At $107,051, the local median is 3.44% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $107,051/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $106,202 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $103,492 | +3.44% more |
Civil Engineers in Manchester, CT earn a median of $107,051 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.80% above the Connecticut state average of $106,202.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,051 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,213 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,054
2025 BLS Actual
$104,308
2026 Current Est.
$107,051
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,054 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,078 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,867 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $90,054 (2019) to $104,308 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,867 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,813 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,312 – $83,533 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,533 – $107,051 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,051 – $137,025 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,025 – $165,929 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Manchester
The local job market in Manchester currently supports 11 employed civil engineers, which highlights the intimate nature of this profession in the area. The cost of living index stands at 107.9, indicating that while salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate for the higher daily living expenses compared to the national average. Among employers, top consulting firms such as WSP and Stantec tend to offer the highest pay, driven by the need for specialized expertise and comprehensive project solutions. The variance in pay often arises from a combination of factors, including the attainment of a PE license, project management track versus technical roles, and the firm’s standing (with top-tier firms generally outpacing government and smaller entities). Consequently, to maximize earnings in this specific market, professionals should pursue the PE credential and seek out opportunities within higher-end consulting firms or capitalize on lucrative infrastructure projects funded by recent government initiatives.
More salary data for Manchester, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $104,308 for civil engineersin the Manchester metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manchester 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