Civil Engineer Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $113,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Ellicott City, MD earns a median $113,602/year (≈ $54.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Ellicott City's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $103,936 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median compensation for a civil engineer salary in Ellicott City, MD, is $113,602, outpacing the national median of $103,492 by approximately 9.77%. Salaries within this field vary significantly, with the lower end starting at $75,371 and the upper echelon rising to $176,083. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, reflecting the unique economic landscape in Ellicott City. Aspiring engineers can enhance their earning potential by pursuing a Professional Engineer license (PE), which opens up opportunities for higher-level positions, such as project managers or specialized roles. As the demand for infrastructure development drives the job market, gaining licensure through the FE and PE examinations can be strategic for maximizing long-term career growth.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,371 | $36.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,067 | $42.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,602 | $54.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,567 | $69.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $176,083 | $84.66 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellicott City
In Ellicott City, MD, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,712 (2026 est.). At $113,602, the local median is 9.77% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellicott City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellicott City Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Ellicott City median: $113,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellicott City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $113,150 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $103,492 | +9.77% more |
Civil Engineers in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $113,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $113,150.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellicott City has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellicott City, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,602 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,936 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$95,565
2025 BLS Actual
$110,691
2026 Current Est.
$113,602
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $95,565 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,652 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,726 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,691 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,590 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $95,565 (2019) to $110,691 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,590 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,025 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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) | $75,371 – $88,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,067 – $113,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,602 – $143,567 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,567 – $176,083 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Ellicott City
The local job market in Ellicott City currently employs 15 civil engineers, creating a competitive environment shaped by both consulting and construction firms as potential employers. The cost of living index in this area is 109.3, meaning that while salaries may be attractive, the purchasing power is somewhat diminished compared to national norms. Major employers like AECOM and Jacobs may offer higher compensation packages, particularly for those who have specialized skills or possess a PE license, which substantially narrows the salary range. Variations in pay can arise from numerous factors, including specialty areas such as structural or geotechnical engineering, as well as the tier of the employing firm. To maximize earnings in Ellicott City, engineers should consider targeting top-tier consulting firms, pursuing professional accreditation, and staying attuned to local government infrastructure projects fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which promises ongoing investment and demand in the civil engineering sector.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Ellicott City, MD in 2026?
Is Ellicott City, MD a good place to work as a civil engineer?
Can civil engineers make $100K in Ellicott City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted civil engineer salary in Ellicott City?
How much does a civil engineer make per hour in Ellicott City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $110,691 for civil engineersin the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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