Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Kingsville, TX: $124,702 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Kingsville, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,702/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Kingsville's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,898 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

With a projected median annual salary of $80,453 in Kingsville, Texas, experienced civil engineers can aim for substantial earnings as their careers progress. Top earners in this area, classified at the 90th percentile, can make as much as $124,702, highlighting the potential for significant financial rewards for those who excel in their field. The gap between the median and top-tier salaries underscores the value of expertise and specialization, suggesting that seasoned professionals who hone their skills in high-demand areas can command impressive salaries. Achieving such heights typically requires a combination of advanced qualifications, substantial field experience, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which can serve as a key differentiator in this relatively competitive market.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kingsville
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Kingsville earn between $102,449 and $124,702 per year (2026 est.). This $66,615 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kingsville median of $80,453 sits 22.26% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Kingsville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,453 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,449 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,702 | $167,513 |
In Kingsville, 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 Kingsville
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $80,453 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kingsville employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Kingsville command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,449–$124,702 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kingsville 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 Kingsville 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 Kingsville
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKingsville ranks #89 of 109 Texas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $124,702).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Kingsville ($124,702) is 22.83% below the Texas average P90 ($161,590).
2019 BLS Actual
$107,615
2025 BLS Actual
$121,506
2026 Current Est.
$124,702
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,615 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,801 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,141 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,702 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,981 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Kingsville saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $107,615 in 2019 to $121,506 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 $127,981 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
When examining senior civil engineer pay in TX, particularly in Kingsville, certain specializations stand out as particularly lucrative. Areas such as structural engineering, transportation, and water resources are known to command premium compensation, as they are closely tied to the ongoing infrastructure investments spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Senior positions vary significantly based on employer type; for instance, engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs often offer higher compensation than local public works departments or smaller firms due to their involvement in large-scale projects. The career progression for civil engineers typically moves from Engineer-in-Training (EIT) to licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and ultimately to senior roles such as project manager or principal. Advanced credentials, including state and national certifications, not only enhance one's candidacy for these sought-after positions but also lead to attractive non-salary compensation packages, further influencing the overall earning potential in this growing sector.
More salary data for Kingsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Kingsville in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Kingsville?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Kingsville?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Kingsville?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Kingsville?
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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 $121,506 for civil engineers in the Kingsville 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 Kingsville 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