Civil Engineer Salary in Fairfax, VA: $92,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Fairfax, VA earns a median $92,298/year (≈ $44.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $89,436 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the context of the sustained infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, civil engineers in Fairfax, Virginia, are experiencing a favorable salary environment, with a median annual compensation projected at $92,298 for 2026. This salary reflects a range from approximately $64,932 at the lower 10th percentile to $139,951 at the upper 90th percentile, showcasing the diverse opportunities within the profession. These projections are based on the latest BLS state-level data and include necessary adjustments for regional cost variations. As Fairfax continues to benefit from heightened investment in construction and public works, the demand for skilled civil engineers is expected to maintain its momentum, establishing a robust job market for professionals in this field.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,932 | $31.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,937 | $35.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,298 | $44.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,179 | $55.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,951 | $67.28 |
Median Salary Position
10.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,019 (2026 est.). At $92,298, the local median is 10.82% below the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $92,298/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $96,647 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | -10.82% less |
Civil Engineers in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $92,298 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.82% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $96,647.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,298 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,436 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,643
2025 BLS Actual
$89,933
2026 Current Est.
$92,298
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,643 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,526 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,518 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,933 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $77,643 (2019) to $89,933 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,083 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $64,932 – $73,937 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,937 – $92,298 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,298 – $115,179 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,179 – $139,951 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Fairfax
With only four civil engineers currently employed in Fairfax, the local job market remains relatively niche, which can contribute to the competitive pay landscape. The cost-of-living index in the area stands at 103.2, indicating that while salaries are substantial, take-home purchasing power can be impacted by living expenses. Top employers such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP typically offer the highest salaries, with significant compensation also found in federal agencies and private development firms. Variations in pay are influenced by several factors, including the possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license, specialization areas like structural or geotechnical engineering, and whether one is aligned with a government or private sector firm. For those looking to maximize their civil engineer pay in Fairfax, focusing on acquiring advanced technical skills or pursuing project management roles can provide a strategic advantage in this evolving market.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
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 $89,933 for civil engineersin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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