Civil Engineer Salary in Newport, RI: $99,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Newport, RI earns a median $99,989/year (≈ $48.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Newport's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $99,492 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, civil engineer salaries in Newport, Rhode Island, are projected to reach a median annual compensation of $99,989. This figure is slightly below the national median of $103,492, reflecting the unique economic dynamics of the region. The salary range in Newport spans from $69,777 at the 10th percentile to $154,984 at the 90th percentile. The local job market diverges into three main segments: private engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, government entities such as the Rhode Island Department of Transportation, and construction companies. Distinct pay structures arise from this division, impacting salary levels significantly as infrastructure investments increase due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which stimulates demand across all sectors of civil engineering.
About the Newport Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,777 | $33.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,726 | $38.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,989 | $48.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,602 | $61.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,984 | $74.51 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport
In Newport, RI, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,207 (2026 est.). At $99,989, the local median is 3.38% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Newport median: $99,989/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $104,047 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -3.38% less |
Civil Engineers in Newport, RI earn a median of $99,989 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $104,047.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,989 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,492 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,113
2025 BLS Actual
$97,427
2026 Current Est.
$99,989
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,113 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,572 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,645 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,683 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,619 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $84,113 (2019) to $97,427 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,619 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,506 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport 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) | $69,777 – $79,726 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,726 – $99,989 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,989 – $127,602 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,602 – $154,984 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Newport
The local employment climate shows a relatively stable market with only six civil engineers currently working in Newport. Given the cost-of-living index of 100.5, professionals in the area must consider how their salaries will impact their overall purchasing power. Top employers in Newport, such as established engineering consulting firms, typically offer higher salaries compared to government roles. The differences in civil engineer pay in Newport RI are influenced by various factors, including the necessity of a Professional Engineer (PE) license, specialty areas like structural and geotechnical engineering, and the tier of the employing firm. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing a PE license and gaining experience in high-demand sectors can prove beneficial. Additionally, choosing between roles in construction or consulting may significantly affect potential salary trajectories, given the ongoing infrastructure spending boom.
More salary data for Newport, 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 $97,427 for civil engineersin the Newport 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 Newport 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