Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Minot, ND: $160,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Minot, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $160,688/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Minot's price premium (BEA RPP 87.0, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $184,639 in average-cost America. The 57% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, senior civil engineers in Minot can anticipate median annual salaries reaching $102,076, with potential earnings peaking at $160,688 for those at the 90th percentile. This figure reflects a significant pay premium for experienced professionals in the field, highlighting the value of advanced technical skills and years of experience. While the median indicates a strong salary foundation, the gap between this figure and top-tier compensation underscores the benefits of specialization and market acumen. To ascend to the highest pay brackets, civil engineers must cultivate niche expertise in areas such as structural or transportation engineering, demonstrating not only proficiency but also a strategic understanding of local industry demands and infrastructure projects fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minot
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Minot earn between $129,242 and $160,688 per year (2026 est.). This $98,032 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Minot median of $102,076 sits 1.37% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Minot | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $102,076 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,242 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $160,688 | $167,513 |
In Minot, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 57.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Minot
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $102,076 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Minot employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Minot command premium compensation, often reaching the $129,242–$160,688 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Minot 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 Minot 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 North Dakota 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 Minot
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMinot ranks #1 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $160,688).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Minot ($160,688) is 8.69% above the North Dakota average P90 ($147,847).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,670
2025 BLS Actual
$156,570
2026 Current Est.
$160,688
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $138,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,039 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,503 | Actual |
| 2024 | $148,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $164,914 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Minot saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $138,670 in 2019 to $156,570 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 $164,914 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot 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 Minot
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Minot varies significantly based on specialization and type of employer. Professionals focusing on water resources, geotechnical engineering, or construction management often command premium pay compared to broader roles. Experienced engineers working for reputable consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs typically find more lucrative opportunities than those in local government or smaller private firms. Career advancement is often achieved by progressing through roles, moving from engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE), and eventually to project manager or principal engineer. Gaining advanced credentials such as the PE license, as well as specialized certifications like LEED AP, can greatly enhance earning potential. Additionally, the ongoing infrastructure spending boom is creating numerous opportunities in both the public and private sectors, making Minot an attractive location for seasoned civil engineers looking to elevate their careers and secure a commanding salary in 2026.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Minot in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Minot?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Minot?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Minot?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Minot?
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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 $156,570 for civil engineers in the Minot 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, 2-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