Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Cleburne, TX: $129,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Cleburne, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $129,420/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Cleburne's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $134,813 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
Cleburne, Texas offers a compelling salary structure for experienced civil engineers, particularly those at the senior level. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $83,497, but the top earners can expect to command annual salaries reaching as high as $129,420. This represents a significant premium on the median, creating a notable gap that rewards extensive experience and advanced skill sets. Achieving these top-tier compensation levels often requires specializations in high-demand areas such as structural engineering and construction management, along with a proactive approach to career advancement through certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleburne
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Cleburne earn between $106,783 and $129,420 per year (2026 est.). This $70,965 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Cleburne median of $83,497 sits 19.32% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Cleburne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $83,497 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,783 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $129,420 | $167,513 |
In Cleburne, 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 Cleburne
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $83,497 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Cleburne employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Cleburne command premium compensation, often reaching the $106,783–$129,420 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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 Cleburne
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCleburne ranks #47 of 109 Texas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $129,420).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Cleburne ($129,420) is 19.91% below the Texas average P90 ($161,590).
2019 BLS Actual
$111,686
2025 BLS Actual
$126,103
2026 Current Est.
$129,420
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Cleburne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,686 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,384 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,103 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,823 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Cleburne saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $111,686 in 2019 to $126,103 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 $132,823 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
Examining the factors influencing senior civil engineer pay in Cleburne reveals the importance of specialization and employer type. Areas such as geotechnical engineering or water resources offer compelling wage increases as the demand for infrastructure expertise grows, especially in the wake of recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. Additionally, compensation varies significantly depending on the employing entity, with engineering consulting firms often providing higher pay than local public works departments. Career pathways can facilitate movement into leadership roles, and obtaining advanced credentials like an SE or certifications in sustainability can enhance earning potential. As the government and private sector dynamics shift, experienced civil engineers who strategically navigate these developments and leverage their skills will find opportunities to maximize their earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Cleburne in 2026?
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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 $126,103 for civil engineers in the Cleburne 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 Cleburne 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