Civil Engineer Salary in Central Falls, RI: $95,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Central Falls, RI earns a median $95,966/year (≈ $46.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Central Falls's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $95,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineers in Central Falls, RI, can expect a median annual salary of $95,966, reflecting a competitive position within the local job market despite falling short of the national average of $103,492. The salary range for this occupation spans from $70,531 at the 10th percentile to $145,095 at the 90th percentile, creating a landscape where both entry-level and experienced engineers can find their place. Compensation often varies significantly based on the sector—consulting firms such as AECOM and Jacobs typically offer higher salaries compared to government agencies like the Department of Transportation or local public works departments. This structural divide not only influences pay rates but also defines the professional pathways available to engineers in the community.
About the Central Falls Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,531 | $33.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,765 | $37.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,966 | $46.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,496 | $57.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,095 | $69.76 |
Median Salary Position
7.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central Falls
In Central Falls, RI, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,564 (2026 est.). At $95,966, the local median is 7.27% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Central Falls Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Central Falls median: $95,966/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $103,972 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -7.27% less |
Civil Engineers in Central Falls, RI earn a median of $95,966 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 7.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $103,972.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central Falls has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central Falls, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,966 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,489 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,729
2025 BLS Actual
$93,507
2026 Current Est.
$95,966
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Central Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,729 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,129 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,647 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,917 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,490 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central Falls metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $80,729 (2019) to $93,507 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,490 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,761 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,531 – $78,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,765 – $95,966 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,966 – $119,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,496 – $145,095 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Central Falls
Central Falls employs a small workforce of six civil engineers, indicating a niche market that can be both an advantage and a limitation. With a cost of living index slightly above the national average at 100.5, take-home purchasing power may be tighter in this region compared to higher-paying areas. Engineering consulting firms lead the pay scale, especially for roles requiring specialized credentials or extensive experience, particularly the Professional Engineer license, which is a significant factor in determining compensation and career advancement. Factors such as the current infrastructure spending surge driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are also pivotal, with private projects likely offering superior pay. To maximize earnings, engineers should consider pursuing higher-level credentials, gaining specialized experience, or targeting employment at top-tier firms in Central Falls, where compensation profiles are more favorable than those in lower-tier government positions.
More salary data for Central Falls, RI:
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 $93,507 for civil engineersin the Central Falls 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 Central 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