Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Round Rock, TX: $160,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Round Rock, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $160,942/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Round Rock's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $167,648 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

A senior civil engineer in Round Rock, Texas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $103,834 in 2026, with earnings for top-tier professionals reaching as high as $160,942. The potential for exceptional compensation is underscored by the significant pay gap between the median and the highest earners—a disparity that reflects the advanced expertise and responsibility required in senior roles. To achieve such esteemed positions and corresponding pay levels, engineers must cultivate specialized skills and sector knowledge that elevate their market value. Experience in high-demand specialties is imperative, as is gaining recognition within the engineering community for transformative projects or leadership in influential firms.
About the Round Rock Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Round Rock
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Round Rock earn between $132,907 and $160,942 per year (2026 est.). This $94,718 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Round Rock median of $103,834 sits 0.33% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Round Rock | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $103,834 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,907 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $160,942 | $167,513 |
In Round Rock, 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 Round Rock
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $103,834 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Round Rock employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Round Rock command premium compensation, often reaching the $132,907–$160,942 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Round Rock 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 Round Rock 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 Round Rock
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRound Rock ranks #9 of 109 Texas cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $160,942).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Round Rock ($160,942) is 0.4% below the Texas average P90 ($161,590).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,890
2025 BLS Actual
$156,818
2026 Current Est.
$160,942
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Round Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $139,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $128,091 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,908 | Actual |
| 2025 | $156,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $160,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,175 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Round Rock saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $138,890 in 2019 to $156,818 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 $165,175 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Round Rock 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 Round Rock
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Round Rock is not only influenced by individual skill sets but also by the type of employer. Engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs typically offer higher compensation packages compared to state departments or smaller public works organizations, due to their involvement in large-scale projects bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Specializations such as structural engineering and transportation often command the highest pay premiums within the local market. Moreover, a combination of credentials—including a Professional Engineer (PE) license and possibly advanced certifications like LEED AP—can dramatically enhance earning potential. Career advancement pathways, whether aimed at project management, technical excellence, or niche specialties, are instrumental for engineers in this region seeking senior-level roles. These factors, alongside regional cost-of-living considerations, shape a complex compensation landscape for those aiming for the top civil engineer salary in Round Rock.
More salary data for Round Rock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Round Rock in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Round Rock?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Round Rock?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Round Rock?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Round Rock?
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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 $156,818 for civil engineers in the Round Rock 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 Round Rock 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