Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Carrollton, TX: $131,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Carrollton, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $131,779/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Carrollton's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $137,270 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 Carrollton, Texas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $85,019, with top-tier earners pulling in significantly more—falling within a range that reaches up to $131,779 for the 90th percentile. This marked gap between the median and maximum reflects the rewarding nature of advanced roles in the industry, showcasing the potential for considerable income growth as professionals gain both experience and specialized expertise. Senior engineers who target niche markets such as structural, transportation, and water resources engineering are well-positioned to escalate their earnings, as these fields are particularly valued in the current economic climate. To ascend to these lucrative positions, one must navigate beyond routine projects and develop a track record of leadership in complex infrastructure initiatives.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Carrollton earn between $108,824 and $131,779 per year (2026 est.). This $78,111 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Carrollton median of $85,019 sits 17.85% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Carrollton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $85,019 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,824 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $131,779 | $167,513 |
In Carrollton, 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 Carrollton
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $85,019 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Carrollton employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Carrollton command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,824–$131,779 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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 Texas 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 Carrollton
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCarrollton ranks #31 of 109 Texas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $131,779).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Carrollton ($131,779) is 18.45% below the Texas average P90 ($161,590).
2019 BLS Actual
$113,723
2025 BLS Actual
$128,402
2026 Current Est.
$131,779
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,105 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,506 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,402 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,245 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Carrollton saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $113,723 in 2019 to $128,402 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 $135,245 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
The compensation landscape for senior civil engineers in Carrollton varies markedly depending on specialization and employer type. Professionals focusing on structural engineering, water resources, and environmental management often command higher salaries due to the technical demands of their roles. Furthermore, those employed by top-tier engineering consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs typically enjoy enhanced pay scales, outstripping their peers in smaller firms or government positions. Advancement within the profession is typically routed through a structured pathway—from obtaining licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) to transitioning into managerial roles. Specialized certifications, including ENV SP or LEED AP, further boost earning potential. Ultimately, the combination of advanced credentials and strategic career moves will enable civil engineers in Carrollton to maximize their senior civil engineer pay in TX, aligning effectively with the ongoing demand fueled by infrastructure investments outlined in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Carrollton in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Carrollton?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Carrollton?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Carrollton?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Carrollton?
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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 $128,402 for civil engineers in the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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