Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Collinsville, IL: $150,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Collinsville, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $150,998/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Collinsville's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $155,508 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the potential for experienced civil engineers in Collinsville, IL, is compelling, with salaries reaching up to $150,998 for top earners. As professionals accumulate experience, they can expect to see a substantial increase in their earnings, with a marked difference between the median salary of $97,418 and the top-tier positions available. Achieving this upper echelon of pay typically requires a combination of advanced technical skills, specialization in high-demand areas, and leadership abilities. Those who wish to elevate their status within the field often pursue additional credentials such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license and consider roles in leading consulting firms or prominent construction companies to maximize their earning potential.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Collinsville
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Collinsville earn between $122,626 and $150,998 per year (2026 est.). This $85,380 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Collinsville median of $97,418 sits 5.87% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Collinsville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,418 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,626 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $150,998 | $167,513 |
In Collinsville, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Collinsville
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $97,418 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Collinsville employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Collinsville command premium compensation, often reaching the $122,626–$150,998 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Collinsville metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Collinsville with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Collinsville
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCollinsville ranks #29 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $150,998).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Collinsville ($150,998) is 7.27% below the Illinois average P90 ($162,844).
2019 BLS Actual
$130,309
2025 BLS Actual
$147,129
2026 Current Est.
$150,998
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,309 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,534 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,017 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,789 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,934 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,129 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,970 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Collinsville saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $130,309 in 2019 to $147,129 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $154,970 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Collinsville
Advanced skills in specialized fields like structural engineering, transportation systems, and geotechnical engineering can command significantly higher compensation in Collinsville. Compensation often varies by employer type; senior civil engineers working with major engineering consulting firms such as AECOM or Jacobs tend to receive salaries that surpass those at local government departments or smaller firms. As professionals advance through their careers—from engineer-in-training (EIT) to project manager or even principal—the potential for salary enhancements remains strong. Furthermore, credentials like a PE license not only open doors to higher salaries but also position individuals to capitalize on the current infrastructure spending boom fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The difference in salary compensation strategies between public and private sector roles underscores the necessity for civil engineers to align their career trajectories with market demands and seek continuous professional development.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Collinsville in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Collinsville?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Collinsville?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Collinsville?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Collinsville?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $147,129 for civil engineers in the Collinsville metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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