Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Clovis, NM: $143,802 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Clovis, NM — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $143,802/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Clovis's price premium (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $152,333 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, experienced civil engineers in Clovis, NM, can anticipate a notable level of compensation, with top earners (P90) reaching as high as $143,802 annually and those at the 75th percentile (P75) earning $117,212. This represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $92,775, reflecting an experience premium that rewards seasoned professionals for their advanced expertise and project management capabilities. Clovis’s top-tier pay compares unfavorably to the national median of $103,492, highlighting the potential for skilled civil engineers to seek opportunities in other regions or sectors that offer higher compensation. Achieving these top salaries typically requires a blend of relevant experience, specialized qualifications, and a proven track record in managing complex projects.
About the Clovis Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clovis
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Clovis earn between $117,212 and $143,802 per year (2026 est.). This $78,117 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Clovis median of $92,775 sits 10.36% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Clovis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $92,775 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,212 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $143,802 | $167,513 |
In Clovis, 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 Clovis
Advanced Certifications in New Mexico
NM civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $92,775 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Clovis employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Clovis command premium compensation, often reaching the $117,212–$143,802 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Clovis 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 Clovis 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 New Mexico 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 Clovis
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedClovis ranks #8 of 17 New Mexico cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $143,802).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Clovis ($143,802) is 7.28% below the New Mexico average P90 ($155,092).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,098
2025 BLS Actual
$140,117
2026 Current Est.
$143,802
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Clovis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,098 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,313 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,059 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,318 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,833 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,802 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,584 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Clovis saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $124,098 in 2019 to $140,117 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 $147,584 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clovis 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 Clovis
In analyzing the senior civil engineer pay in NM, several specialized fields within civil engineering command premium salaries. Areas such as structural engineering and transportation are particularly lucrative, while expertise in water resources, geotechnical engineering, and environmental projects can also elevate earnings. Compensation varies significantly depending on the type of employer; professionals working at large engineering consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs tend to receive higher salaries compared to those in local public works departments or smaller firms. Moreover, advancement paths can influence pay, with transitions from engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE) and eventually to project manager or principal often resulting in substantial salary increases. Holding advanced credentials such as the PE license or state-specific certifications, along with a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, also plays a crucial role in determining compensation levels. Non-salary compensation drivers, including project responsibilities and firm reputation, further impact potential earnings amid the growing influence of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on civil engineering markets.
More salary data for Clovis, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Clovis in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Clovis?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Clovis?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Clovis?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Clovis?
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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 $140,117 for civil engineers in the Clovis 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 Clovis 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