Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Hazleton, PA: $146,715 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Hazleton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $146,715/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Hazleton's price premium (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $150,631 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
Reaching the pinnacle of the civil engineering profession in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, can lead to lucrative opportunities for experienced engineers. In 2026, top earners in this field can command salaries up to $146,715, while those at the P75 level can expect around $121,158. The median annual salary for experienced civil engineers in Hazleton, projected at $94,655, demonstrates a notable gap when contrasted with the highest pay bracket, highlighting the significant experience premium available. To attain these senior-level pay rates, professionals often need to specialize in high-demand areas such as structural engineering, water resources, or transportation, coupled with gaining advanced credentials like the Professional Engineer (PE) license and substantial experience within the industry.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hazleton
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Hazleton earn between $121,158 and $146,715 per year (2026 est.). This $84,158 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hazleton median of $94,655 sits 8.54% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Hazleton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,655 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,158 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $146,715 | $167,513 |
In Hazleton, 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 Hazleton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $94,655 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hazleton employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Hazleton command premium compensation, often reaching the $121,158–$146,715 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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 Pennsylvania 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 Hazleton
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHazleton ranks #6 of 24 Pennsylvania cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $146,715).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Hazleton ($146,715) is 1.09% above the Pennsylvania average P90 ($145,137).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,612
2025 BLS Actual
$142,955
2026 Current Est.
$146,715
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,471 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,575 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,955 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,715 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $150,573 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Hazleton saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $126,612 in 2019 to $142,955 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 $150,573 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Hazleton is influenced by various factors, including specialization and employer type. Certain fields, such as transportation and geotechnical engineering, tend to command higher salaries, reflecting the complex nature of the projects involved. Working for elite engineering consulting firms, like AECOM or Jacobs, often results in better pay and benefits compared to roles in government agencies or small firms. Routes for advancement in civil engineering typically involve a progression from engineer-in-training (EIT) to licensed Professional Engineer (PE), then on to senior engineer or project manager roles. Advanced certifications and credentials, such as an Environmental Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) or LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), can further enhance earning potential. With the ongoing boom in infrastructure spending spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there exists a growing demand for seasoned engineering experts, especially in sectors that require innovative approaches to complex infrastructural challenges in Hazleton and beyond.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Hazleton in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Hazleton?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Hazleton?
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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 $142,955 for civil engineers in the Hazleton 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 Hazleton 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