Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Lawrence, MA: $157,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $157,138/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $144,828 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 Lawrence, Massachusetts, the compensation landscape for senior civil engineers shows a rewarding path for those with significant experience. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary is estimated at $101,379, with a notable pay range spanning from $70,609 at the 10th percentile (P10) to an impressive $157,138 at the 90th percentile (P90). The gap between the median and top earners highlights the experience premium available in this market—seasoned professionals can command salaries substantially higher than the average. Achieving top-tier pay in Lawrence requires not only technical expertise across various fields of civil engineering but also a commitment to ongoing professional development, networking within industry circles, and possibly engaging with leading employers.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $129,765 and $157,138 per year (2026 est.). This $86,529 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $101,379 sits 2.04% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $101,379 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,765 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $157,138 | $167,513 |
In Lawrence, 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 Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $101,379 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,765–$157,138 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Massachusetts 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 Lawrence
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #34 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $157,138).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Lawrence ($157,138) is 6.99% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($168,941).
2019 BLS Actual
$135,607
2025 BLS Actual
$153,111
2026 Current Est.
$157,138
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $135,607 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,841 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $130,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $141,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $193,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $153,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $157,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $161,271 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $135,607 in 2019 to $153,111 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 $161,271 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Various specializations contribute to the earning potential of senior civil engineers in Lawrence. Fields such as structural engineering, transportation and highway design, and geotechnical engineering tend to attract higher salaries, along with specialties in environmental wastewater management and construction management. Compensation also varies significantly based on the type of employer—top engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs offer competitive salaries that can significantly outpace those found in government positions or smaller firms. Advancement paths are diverse, often leading to roles like project manager or principal engineer, rewarding those who achieve licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE). Advanced certifications, including LEED AP and Environmental Sustainability Professional (ENV SP), can further enhance earning potential in this evolving infrastructure climate, where projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law play a critical role in the market's growth. Non-salary components of compensation, such as the value of a PE license and the reputation of the employing firm, deeply influence income trajectories.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Lawrence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $153,111 for civil engineers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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