Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Holladay, UT: $144,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Holladay, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $144,693/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Holladay's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $147,495 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, the potential for top-tier earnings in Holladay, UT, for seasoned civil engineers is quite promising, with those in the 90th percentile earning as much as $144,693. This figure represents a significant step up from the median annual salary of $93,350, highlighting the experience premium available in this field. The range for experienced professionals runs from $64,848 at the 10th percentile to $118,917 at the 75th percentile, indicating that those who specialize and excel can significantly increase their compensation. Achieving such high pay requires a blend of experience, continuing education, and a strategic approach to career advancement, often entailing a transition into niche areas or leadership roles within influential engineering firms.
About the Holladay Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holladay
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Holladay earn between $118,917 and $144,693 per year (2026 est.). This $79,845 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Holladay median of $93,350 sits 9.8% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Holladay | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $93,350 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,917 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $144,693 | $167,513 |
In Holladay, 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 Holladay
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $93,350 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Holladay employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Holladay command premium compensation, often reaching the $118,917–$144,693 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Holladay 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 Holladay 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 Utah 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 Holladay
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHolladay ranks #10 of 41 Utah cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $144,693).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Holladay ($144,693) is 5.09% below the Utah average P90 ($152,447).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,867
2025 BLS Actual
$140,985
2026 Current Est.
$144,693
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Holladay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,867 | Actual |
| 2020 | $125,083 | Actual |
| 2021 | $115,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,797 | Actual |
| 2023 | $130,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,533 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,498 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Holladay saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $124,867 in 2019 to $140,985 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 $148,498 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holladay 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 Holladay
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Holladay can vary greatly depending on specialization and employer type. Notably, disciplines such as structural engineering, transportation, and water resources tend to command higher salaries. Engineering consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs may offer salaries that are more competitive compared to local public works departments or even federal agencies such as the USACE or BLM. The advancement path for many in this profession typically involves obtaining a PE license, progressing from roles like engineer-in-training (EIT) to senior engineer or project manager, and eventually seeking positions as principals in their firms. Additionally, advanced credentials, including the SE license or LEED AP certification, can further distinguish engineers in this competitive market. Factors like projected infrastructure investments due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are also likely to elevate demand, giving candidates with targeted expertise a stronger negotiating position in salary discussions.
More salary data for Holladay, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $140,985 for civil engineers in the Holladay 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 Holladay 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