Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $165,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Moses Lake, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $165,413/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Moses Lake's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $154,016 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, Moses Lake presents an attractive opportunity for senior civil engineers, with the median annual salary reaching $106,718. Top earners in the market, classified at the 90th percentile, can command salaries up to $165,413, showcasing a significant gap between average and peak compensation. This differential highlights the potential for highly experienced professionals to secure a lucrative position fueled by specialization and critical project involvement. Achieving this top-tier pay in Moses Lake requires not just extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also strategic career moves, continuous professional development, and often, advanced credentials, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license. With the growing demand for civil engineering expertise due to infrastructure investments spurred by legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the pathways to higher earnings are increasingly viable for senior professionals in the area.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Moses Lake earn between $136,598 and $165,413 per year (2026 est.). This $87,237 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moses Lake median of $106,718 sits 3.12% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Moses Lake | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $106,718 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,598 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $165,413 | $167,513 |
In Moses Lake, 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 Moses Lake
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $106,718 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moses Lake employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Moses Lake command premium compensation, often reaching the $136,598–$165,413 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoses Lake ranks #28 of 50 Washington cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $165,413).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Moses Lake ($165,413) is 1.94% above the Washington average P90 ($162,259).
2019 BLS Actual
$142,748
2025 BLS Actual
$161,174
2026 Current Est.
$165,413
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Moses Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $142,748 | Actual |
| 2020 | $142,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,649 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,951 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,763 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Moses Lake saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $142,748 in 2019 to $161,174 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 $169,763 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Within Moses Lake, various specializations can lead to senior civil engineer pay exceeding the general market averages. Disciplines such as structural engineering, water resources, and environmental engineering are particularly favorable, often associated with roles in reputable engineering consulting firms like AECOM, WSP, and Stantec. Compensation varies across employers; for instance, seasoned professionals in Fortune 500 construction firms like Bechtel or Kiewit may experience higher salary ceilings compared to those in public sector roles or smaller firms. Career advancement within civil engineering typically follows structured paths, allowing engineers to progress from engineer-in-training (EIT) to project manager or principal roles, depending on their focus. Attaining a PE license is crucial as it often serves as a gateway to senior positions, especially in competitive markets like Moses Lake. Furthermore, additional qualifications, such as LEED AP or ENV SP credentials, can further enhance a professional’s marketability. As public works and infrastructure projects gain momentum due to federal funding initiatives, veteran civil engineers with the right specialization and credentials stand to benefit significantly from this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Moses Lake in 2026?
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Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Moses Lake?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Moses Lake?
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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 $161,174 for civil engineers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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