Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Wilsonville, OR: $154,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Wilsonville, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $154,348/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Wilsonville's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $150,437 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
Wilsonville, Oregon, offers a compelling earning potential for experienced civil engineers, with top-tier salaries projected to reach $154,348 in 2026. At the same time, the median annual salary for senior-level professionals stands at $99,580, illustrating a considerable gap between the mid-range and high-earning positions in the field. This experience premium reflects the skills, certification, and specialized knowledge that seasoned engineers bring to the table, often required to navigate complex projects and lead teams effectively. To ascend to these higher salary brackets, individuals typically need at least 7 years of experience, advanced professional licenses such as the PE (Professional Engineer), and potentially additional credentials that enhance their marketability, especially in specialized areas of civil engineering.
About the Wilsonville Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilsonville
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Wilsonville earn between $126,825 and $154,348 per year (2026 est.). This $82,636 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilsonville median of $99,580 sits 3.78% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilsonville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $99,580 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,825 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $154,348 | $167,513 |
In Wilsonville, 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 Wilsonville
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $99,580 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilsonville employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Wilsonville command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,825–$154,348 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilsonville 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 Wilsonville 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 Oregon 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 Wilsonville
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWilsonville ranks #17 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $154,348).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Wilsonville ($154,348) is 6.83% below the Oregon average P90 ($165,663).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,199
2025 BLS Actual
$150,393
2026 Current Est.
$154,348
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Wilsonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $122,843 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $150,393 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,408 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Wilsonville saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $133,199 in 2019 to $150,393 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 $158,408 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilsonville 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 Wilsonville
When examining the factors that influence senior civil engineer pay in Wilsonville, certain specializations command premium compensation, particularly in structural engineering, transportation, and water resources management. Senior civil engineers often find varied compensation depending on their employer type. Consulting firms such as AECOM or Jacobs frequently offer higher salaries than local public works departments or state DOTs due to project scale and funding from initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Career advancement for experienced engineers typically follows structured paths, progressing from credentials like EIT and PE to positions as project managers or partners. Holding a PE license not only opens doors to senior-level roles but also significantly narrows the pay gap between different engineering tracks. Therefore, obtaining advanced certifications and choosing strategic career pathways can substantially impact overall earning potential in Wilsonville’s competitive engineering landscape.
More salary data for Wilsonville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Wilsonville in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Wilsonville?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Wilsonville?
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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 $150,393 for civil engineers in the Wilsonville 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 Wilsonville 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