Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Quincy, IL: $149,848 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $149,848/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $154,323 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, senior civil engineers in Quincy, IL, command impressive earnings, with top-tier professionals reaching compensation as high as $149,848 annually. The projected median annual salary for this role sits at $96,676, highlighting a significant gap between entry-level positions and those achieved by seasoned experts. Achieving such high earnings largely hinges on specialized skills, leadership abilities, and career advancement within the engineering field. Experienced civil engineers often benefit from the demand driven by ongoing infrastructure projects—a trend accelerated by legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and this factor can further enhance their earning potential in Quincy compared to the national median of $103,492.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $123,746 and $149,848 per year (2026 est.). This $85,955 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $96,676 sits 6.59% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,676 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,746 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $149,848 | $167,513 |
In Quincy, 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 Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $96,676 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $123,746–$149,848 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #37 of 64 Illinois cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $149,848).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Quincy ($149,848) is 7.98% below the Illinois average P90 ($162,844).
2019 BLS Actual
$129,316
2025 BLS Actual
$146,008
2026 Current Est.
$149,848
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $129,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $129,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,261 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $134,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,975 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,848 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,789 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $129,316 in 2019 to $146,008 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 $153,789 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Senior civil engineers who focus on in-demand specializations such as structural engineering, transportation, and environmental management tend to secure higher salaries in Quincy, reflecting the market's needs. Overall compensation can vary considerably based on the type of employer, with leading engineering consulting firms—like AECOM and Jacobs—often providing the highest pay, alongside larger corporations such as Bechtel. Advancement opportunities are plentiful in this profession, enabling engineers to move from positions such as engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE), and then to senior engineer and project manager. Holding advanced credentials like a PE license or specialized certifications significantly enhances pay prospects. Non-salary factors like project leadership roles, firm tier, and affiliations with organizations such as NSPE also play a role in shaping the financial trajectory of senior civil engineers in Quincy.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Quincy?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Quincy?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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 $146,008 for civil engineers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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