Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Salina, KS: $139,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Salina, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $139,240/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Salina's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $153,179 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
For seasoned civil engineers seeking top-tier compensation in Salina, Kansas, the landscape shows robust earning potential with projections for 2026 indicating a median annual salary of $91,030. Those at the pinnacle of their careers can expect to pull in as much as $139,240, marking a significant distinction from the baseline pay in the area. This upper-tier compensation illustrates the considerable experience premium that comes with over seven years in the field, bridging the gap between the median salaries and elite pay brackets. Pioneering a path toward this higher echelon requires not only technical excellence but also specialized skills, strategic project management experience, and potentially advanced certifications that resonate with local engineering demands.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salina
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Salina earn between $113,448 and $139,240 per year (2026 est.). This $72,004 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salina median of $91,030 sits 12.04% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Salina | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $91,030 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,448 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $139,240 | $167,513 |
In Salina, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 52.96% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Salina
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $91,030 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salina employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Salina command premium compensation, often reaching the $113,448–$139,240 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salina 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 Salina 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 Salina
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalina ranks #11 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $139,240).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Salina ($139,240) is 1.87% above the Kansas average P90 ($136,686).
2019 BLS Actual
$120,161
2025 BLS Actual
$135,672
2026 Current Est.
$139,240
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Salina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $120,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $120,369 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $115,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,215 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,902 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Salina saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $120,161 in 2019 to $135,672 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 $142,902 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
The compensation for senior civil engineers in Salina varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. High-demand areas such as structural engineering, transportation, and water resources often command premium salaries, especially when associated with top consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, or larger construction firms such as Bechtel. Conversely, those employed by local public works departments or smaller firms may find salaries trending on the lower end of the spectrum. In pursuing leadership roles, civil engineers typically follow structured career paths that begin with gaining an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation, advancing to a Professional Engineer (PE) license, and ultimately aspiring to project manager or principal roles. Additional credentials such as LEED AP or SE licenses further enhance marketability and earning potential. Non-salary benefits based on firm reputation, training opportunities, and regional infrastructure initiatives funded by current legislation also play a critical role in shaping total compensation in the state.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Salina in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Salina?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Salina?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Salina?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Salina?
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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 $135,672 for civil engineers in the Salina 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 Salina 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