Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $153,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $153,729/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,424 in average-cost America. The 68% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, experienced civil engineers position themselves favorably within the salary spectrum, particularly as they approach senior roles. The projected top-tier earning potential in 2026 reaches $153,729, a compelling figure when considering that the 2026 median annual salary is $91,320. This disparity highlights the experience premium that seasoned professionals can achieve, underscoring the significant financial rewards that accompany advanced skills, leadership roles, and specialized knowledge. To reach the pinnacle of senior civil engineer pay in Hattiesburg, one must not only accrue valuable experience but also attain crucial credentials like the Professional Engineer (PE) license, while often navigating pathways through engineering consulting firms or large construction companies that typically offer the most competitive salaries.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $117,624 and $153,729 per year (2026 est.). This $108,325 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $91,320 sits 11.76% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $91,320 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,624 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $153,729 | $167,513 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 68.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $91,320 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $117,624–$153,729 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #3 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $153,729).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Hattiesburg ($153,729) is 6.86% below the Mississippi average P90 ($165,049).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,000
2025 BLS Actual
$149,790
2026 Current Est.
$153,729
2019–2027 Growth
+57.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $157,460 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,370 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $153,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,773 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 49.8% from $100,000 in 2019 to $149,790 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 $157,773 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
Analyzing the dynamics of senior civil engineer pay in MS reveals a diverse array of compensation opportunities contingent on specialization and employer type. Engineers with expertise in structural design, water resources, or environmental management often command higher salaries, as these fields are critical for infrastructure development under initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The choice of employer significantly influences earnings; top-tier consulting firms such as AECOM and Jacobs generally offer compensation packages that outstrip those of public sector roles found in local DOTs or state agencies. Furthermore, embarking on a promising career trajectory often involves transitions from engineer-in-training to project manager or senior engineer roles, a progression facilitated by obtaining a PE license. Advanced qualifications, including specialty certifications in structural or water resources engineering, are valued and can further elevate senior civil engineer salaries. Non-salary factors such as job security and the impact of recent infrastructure spending initiatives also play significant roles in shaping career decisions for civil engineers in Hattiesburg.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $149,790 for civil engineers in the Hattiesburg 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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