Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Moline, IL: $148,864 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $148,864/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $153,310 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, the financial prospects for experienced civil engineers are promising, particularly for those reaching top-tier salaries. For 2026, the potential salary range for senior engineers peaks at $148,864, notably higher than the median annual salary of $97,085, highlighting a significant experience premium. This gap between mid-career earnings and elite compensation illustrates that those with the requisite expertise, specialized skills, and impressive project management track records can secure lucrative positions. Achieving such a status often involves a combination of targeted professional development, including earning advanced credentials like the PE license, coupled with a focus on in-demand specializations to elevate one’s market value effectively. Compared to the national median of $103,492, Moline’s highest earners still align closely with the Midwest's unique economic landscape and infrastructure demands.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $123,308 and $148,864 per year (2026 est.). This $82,344 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $97,085 sits 6.19% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,085 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,308 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $148,864 | $167,513 |
In Moline, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 53.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $97,085 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $123,308–$148,864 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline 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 Moline 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 Moline
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #47 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $148,864).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Moline ($148,864) is 8.58% below the Illinois average P90 ($162,844).
2019 BLS Actual
$128,466
2025 BLS Actual
$145,049
2026 Current Est.
$148,864
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $128,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $118,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $133,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,049 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,864 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,779 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $128,466 in 2019 to $145,049 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 $152,779 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
The factors driving senior civil engineer pay in Moline are diverse, with several specializations commanding premium salaries. Notable fields include structural engineering, transportation, and environmental systems, where expertise can yield substantial financial rewards. Compensation can also vary significantly based on the type of employer; leading engineering consulting firms typically offer higher salaries than local public works departments or smaller projects. Opportunities for advancement abound, with paths leading from engineer-in-training to professional engineer and eventually project manager or firm partner. To enhance their earning potential, senior engineers often pursue credentials such as a Professional Engineer license, which is essential for higher-level roles. As infrastructure investment continues to grow under initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the requirement for skilled civil engineering professionals is only anticipated to rise, making Moline an attractive location for seasoned engineers looking to advance their careers economically and professionally.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Moline?
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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 $145,049 for civil engineers in the Moline 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 Moline 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