Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Burien, WA: $170,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $170,670/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $158,911 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, senior civil engineers in Burien, Washington, can anticipate a median annual salary of $110,110, with the top earners reaching as high as $170,670. This peak salary significantly exceeds the national average for comparable roles, which stands at $103,492, representing a 6.39% premium for experienced professionals in this region. The substantial difference between the median and the higher earning tier indicates the experience premium prevalent in this market. Attaining top-tier pay often involves honing specialized skills, leading complex projects, and obtaining advanced credentials, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which are critical for elevating one’s career trajectory in civil engineering.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $140,941 and $170,670 per year (2026 est.). This $93,613 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $110,110 sits 6.39% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $110,110 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,941 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $170,670 | $167,513 |
In Burien, 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 Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $110,110 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,941–$170,670 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #14 of 50 Washington cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $170,670).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Burien ($170,670) is 5.18% above the Washington average P90 ($162,259).
2019 BLS Actual
$147,284
2025 BLS Actual
$166,296
2026 Current Est.
$170,670
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $147,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $147,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $141,304 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $190,549 | Actual |
| 2025 | $166,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $170,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,158 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $147,284 in 2019 to $166,296 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 $175,158 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Burien varies based on specialization and employment type. Those focusing on niche fields like structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, and environmental management tend to command higher salaries reflective of their expertise. Companies such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are key players in the consulting space, often offering competitive pay. In contrast, professionals in public service roles at local DOTs may see a different pay structure, influenced by government budgets and policies. Career advancement is achievable through the path from engineer-in-training (EIT) to project manager or principal engineer, often incentivized by the pursuit of additional certifications like LEED AP or ENV SP. The ongoing infrastructure investment prompted by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is poised to enrich the opportunities for senior civil engineers, further enhancing their earning potential in Burien, WA.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Burien?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Burien?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Burien?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $166,296 for civil engineers in the Burien 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 Burien 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