Civil Engineer Salary in Ashland, KY: $98,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Ashland, KY earns a median $98,174/year (≈ $47.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $109,937 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ashland, KY, civil engineers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $98,174 in 2026, showcasing a competitive compensation landscape in comparison to national figures. Salary ranges indicate varied opportunities, with earnings starting at $68,463 on the lower end and extending to $148,197 for those at the top of the pay scale. Local estimates, driven by 2025 BLS data and regional adjustments, reflect a market influenced by the distinct roles civil engineers occupy. Whether in consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, government positions within the Department of Transportation, or construction firms focused on structural projects, the specialization significantly impacts salary potential. The civil engineer salary in Ashland also presents a nuanced view of the industry, establishing itself as a viable career with rewarding compensation.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,463 | $32.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,206 | $37.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,174 | $47.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,099 | $58.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,197 | $71.25 |
Median Salary Position
5.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $79,734 (2026 est.). At $98,174, the local median is 5.14% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Ashland median: $98,174/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $103,559 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -5.14% less |
Civil Engineers in Ashland, KY earn a median of $98,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 5.20% below the Kentucky state average of $103,559.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A civil engineer earning $98,174 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $109,937 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,586
2025 BLS Actual
$95,658
2026 Current Est.
$98,174
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,019 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,525 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,756 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $82,586 (2019) to $95,658 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,756 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,170 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $68,463 – $78,206 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,206 – $98,174 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,174 – $122,099 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,099 – $148,197 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Ashland
Analyzing the job market in Ashland reveals a local presence of only four civil engineers, which constrains competition and may influence overall pay levels despite the career's potential. With a cost-of-living index at 89.3, professionals might find their purchasing power relatively enhanced as they navigate job opportunities. Among the highest-paying employment avenues for civil engineers are consulting firms, where the potential for specialization in high-demand areas like structural engineering can yield greater salaries. The differences in civil engineer pay in Ashland, KY, stem from several factors, including the PE license's influence on senior roles, specialty areas offering pay premiums, and the firm’s tier classification. To maximize pay in this market, aspiring engineers should consider gaining specialized expertise, pursuing professional licensure, and aligning with firms that prioritize infrastructure ventures driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
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 $95,658 for civil engineersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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