Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Brookfield, WI: $144,144 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Brookfield, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $144,144/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Brookfield's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $154,330 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned civil engineers in Brookfield, Wisconsin, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $94,504, with top earners reaching as high as $144,144. This significant income potential demonstrates the experience premium prevalent in the region, where the gulf between the median and the earnings of top-tier professionals accentuates the opportunities available for those with advanced skills and expertise. To tap into this potential, civil engineers must gain substantial experience and pursue paths that lead to specialization and leadership, positioning themselves effectively to capitalize on Brookfield’s growing demand for engineering talent amidst increasing infrastructure investments fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other market dynamics.
About the Brookfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookfield
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Brookfield earn between $117,528 and $144,144 per year (2026 est.). This $79,642 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookfield median of $94,504 sits 8.68% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookfield | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,504 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,528 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $144,144 | $167,513 |
In Brookfield, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 52.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Brookfield
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $94,504 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookfield employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Brookfield command premium compensation, often reaching the $117,528–$144,144 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookfield 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 Brookfield 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 Wisconsin 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 Brookfield
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrookfield ranks #11 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $144,144).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Brookfield ($144,144) is 6.75% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($135,031).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,393
2025 BLS Actual
$140,450
2026 Current Est.
$144,144
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Brookfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,393 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $144,144 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,935 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Brookfield saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $124,393 in 2019 to $140,450 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 $147,935 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookfield 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 Brookfield
The range of specializations in Brookfield’s civil engineering sector gives rise to varied compensation structures, with distinct areas such as structural engineering, transport design, and geotechnical work often commanding higher salaries. Experienced professionals will find that working with leading engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs tends to yield better pay than positions within local government agencies or private developers. Furthermore, engineers with advanced certifications, such as the Professional Engineer (PE) license or specializations in environmental or construction management, can boost their senior civil engineer pay in WI significantly. Climbing the career ladder typically involves roles that transition from engineer-in-training to project manager and potentially to principal, where leadership positions are not just rewarding but critical for maximizing compensation. As local and federal infrastructure projects grow, those equipped with both technical credentials and project management skills can expect robust career advancements alongside their salary growth.
More salary data for Brookfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Brookfield in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Brookfield?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Brookfield?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Brookfield?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Brookfield?
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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 $140,450 for civil engineers in the Brookfield 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 Brookfield 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