Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Dodge City, KS: $137,781 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Dodge City, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $137,781/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Dodge City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $151,574 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 Dodge City, KS, the earning potential for experienced civil engineers shows significant promise, with top earners projected to enjoy salaries reaching up to $137,781 in 2026. This upper-tier salary, alongside a 75th percentile figure of $111,921, highlights the lucrative opportunities available to seasoned professionals in the field. The experience gap is unmistakable, as the median annual salary of $89,001 for civil engineers in Dodge City indicates a considerable advantage for those who can command top-tier pay. Achieving such levels typically demands specialized skills, a robust professional network, and a proven track record in high-stakes projects that demonstrate leadership and expertise in complex civil engineering challenges.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dodge City
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Dodge City earn between $111,921 and $137,781 per year (2026 est.). This $75,308 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dodge City median of $89,001 sits 14% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Dodge City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $89,001 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,921 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $137,781 | $167,513 |
In Dodge City, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 54.81% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Dodge City
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $89,001 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dodge City employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Dodge City command premium compensation, often reaching the $111,921–$137,781 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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 Kansas 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 Dodge City
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDodge City ranks #13 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $137,781).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Dodge City ($137,781) is 0.8% above the Kansas average P90 ($136,686).
2019 BLS Actual
$118,902
2025 BLS Actual
$134,250
2026 Current Est.
$137,781
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $118,902 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,657 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,903 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $134,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,781 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,404 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Dodge City saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $118,902 in 2019 to $134,250 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 $141,404 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge City 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 Dodge City
Analyzing the nuances of senior civil engineer pay in Dodge City reveals that certain specializations significantly drive compensation upwards, including structural engineering, transportation and highway, and environmental, among others. Employment type influences salary distributions as well; firms such as AECOM and Jacobs often offer more competitive packages compared to public works departments or small local firms. Career advancement is usually structured as a progression from engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE), leading to senior engineer roles and ultimately project management positions. Advanced credentials, such as a PE license or even an optional SE designation, can markedly elevate earning potential, especially within Kansas's evolving infrastructure landscape shaped by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Ultimately, those navigating this arena should not overlook the non-salary benefits that firm tier and project types can provide, as these factors often influence both job satisfaction and career trajectory in a landscape where the demand for civil engineers remains robust.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Dodge City in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Dodge City?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Dodge City?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Dodge City?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Dodge City?
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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 $134,250 for civil engineers in the Dodge City 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 Dodge City 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