Civil Engineer Salary in Lorain, OH: $99,785 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Lorain, OH earns a median $99,785/year (≈ $47.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Lorain's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $110,017 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineers in Lorain, Ohio can expect a median annual salary of $99,785, which reflects a competitive position within the state despite being slightly below the national median of $103,492. The salary range for this profession in Lorain varies significantly, from $64,237 at the 10th percentile to $154,666 at the 90th percentile, emphasizing the disparities based on experience, specialization, and employer. This divide is particularly noticeable between roles in engineering consulting firms—like AECOM and Jacobs—government positions with the state Department of Transportation, and construction companies. Overall, the local job market remains stable as the infrastructure spending boom continues to bolster demand for civil engineering skills.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,237 | $30.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,944 | $39.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,785 | $47.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,968 | $61.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,666 | $74.36 |
Median Salary Position
3.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain
In Lorain, OH, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,429 (2026 est.). At $99,785, the local median is 3.58% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lorain: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lorain Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Lorain median: $99,785/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lorain Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $98,699 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $103,492 | -3.58% less |
Civil Engineers in Lorain, OH earn a median of $99,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.58% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $98,699.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lorain has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lorain, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A civil engineer earning $99,785 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,017 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,942
2025 BLS Actual
$97,228
2026 Current Est.
$99,785
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,942 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,398 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,718 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,785 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,409 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lorain metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $83,942 (2019) to $97,228 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,409 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,467 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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) | $64,237 – $81,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,944 – $99,785 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,785 – $126,968 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,968 – $154,666 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Lorain
Within Lorain, the job market accommodates a small pool of 12 civil engineers, promoting a close-knit community among professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 90.7, which is below the national average, making the purchasing power of these salaries relatively favorable. Pay scales vary widely due to factors such as the demand for project management compared to technical roles and the public versus private sector dynamics. Top firms, especially in consulting and federal agencies, tend to offer more lucrative roles, driven by competitive project opportunities and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. To maximize earning potential, professionals should consider obtaining a PE license, as this credential opens doors to senior positions and typically leads to higher salaries, particularly within well-established firms or specialized sectors.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
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 $97,228 for civil engineersin the Lorain 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 Lorain 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