Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Faribault, MN: $152,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Faribault, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $152,071/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Faribault's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $154,387 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, Faribault's experienced civil engineers are set to earn a median annual salary of $98,110, with top earners making significantly more—up to $152,071 at the 90th percentile. This represents a tangible gap between median and peak salaries, emphasizing the experience premium in the local market. Professionals aiming for these high-tier pay levels must possess a wealth of experience, along with specialized skills and credentials that align with the demands of the field. Given that this top civil engineer salary in Faribault is somewhat lower than the anticipated national median of $103,492, it underscores the nuances of regional demand for senior-level civil engineering professionals.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Faribault earn between $124,979 and $152,071 per year (2026 est.). This $84,413 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Faribault median of $98,110 sits 5.2% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Faribault | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,110 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,979 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $152,071 | $167,513 |
In Faribault, 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 Faribault
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $98,110 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Faribault employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Faribault command premium compensation, often reaching the $124,979–$152,071 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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 Minnesota 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 Faribault
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFaribault ranks #39 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $152,071).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Faribault ($152,071) is 5.97% below the Minnesota average P90 ($161,729).
2019 BLS Actual
$131,234
2025 BLS Actual
$148,174
2026 Current Est.
$152,071
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $131,234 | Actual |
| 2020 | $131,461 | Actual |
| 2021 | $121,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,905 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $152,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,070 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Faribault saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $131,234 in 2019 to $148,174 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 $156,070 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
To achieve senior civil engineer pay in MN at the upper echelons, specialization is key. Areas like structural engineering, transportation, and water resources are particularly lucrative within the local context. Employers also significantly influence compensation; engineering consulting firms, particularly larger entities like AECOM or Jacobs, tend to offer higher salaries compared to public sector positions or smaller firms. Advancement pathways are clear, starting from Engineer-in-Training (EIT) through professional engineer licensure (PE), to senior engineer and project management roles. Acquiring sought-after credentials, such as a PE license or specialized accreditations like LEED AP, can bolster earning potential. Moreover, the current infrastructure investment driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) creates an environment rife with opportunity, allowing senior engineers to navigate diverse career trajectories across both public and private sectors in Faribault.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Faribault in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Faribault?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Faribault?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Faribault?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Faribault?
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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 $148,174 for civil engineers in the Faribault 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 Faribault 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