Senior Civil Engineer Salary in De Pere, WI: $143,703 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in De Pere, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $143,703/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back De Pere's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $153,858 in average-cost America. The 52% 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 De Pere, Wisconsin, can see substantial earning potential, with the top earners projected to make $143,703 annually. The median salary for these experienced professionals is set at $94,378, illustrating a notable gap between average compensation and the upper echelon of pay. This differential emphasizes the experience premium awarded to engineers who have honed their expertise over seven or more years. To reach the highest salary brackets, civil engineers need to focus on acquiring specialized skills and credentials, such as obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license and engaging in leadership roles within their firms. This proactive approach not only enhances their marketability but also allows them to capitalize on the thriving infrastructure demand fueled by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in De Pere earn between $119,254 and $143,703 per year (2026 est.). This $79,499 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The De Pere median of $94,378 sits 8.81% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | De Pere | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,378 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,254 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $143,703 | $167,513 |
In De Pere, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 52.26% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in De Pere
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $94,378 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by De Pere employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in De Pere command premium compensation, often reaching the $119,254–$143,703 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the De Pere 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 De Pere 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 De Pere
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDe Pere ranks #13 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $143,703).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in De Pere ($143,703) is 6.42% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($135,031).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,012
2025 BLS Actual
$140,020
2026 Current Est.
$143,703
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,012 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,227 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,977 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,228 | Actual |
| 2024 | $128,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $140,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $143,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,482 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in De Pere saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $124,012 in 2019 to $140,020 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 $147,482 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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 De Pere
Compensation for senior civil engineers in De Pere varies significantly based on specialization and employer type. Those with expertise in fields like structural engineering, water resources, and construction management are particularly well-positioned to command higher salaries. Employment with major firms such as AECOM and Jacobs typically yields greater pay than positions within government agencies or smaller consulting firms. The pathway to advanced positions often includes progression from engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE), ultimately leading to roles such as project manager or principal engineer. Additionally, holding advanced credentials—such as a CE or specialized licensure—can further push salaries higher. Non-salary compensation drivers, including project management responsibilities and the firm's tier, also play a significant role in shaping overall earnings for senior engineers in Wisconsin. With continued infrastructure investments on the horizon, the need for seasoned professionals remains robust, offering ample opportunities for growth and advancement in the field.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in De Pere in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in De Pere?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in De Pere?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in De Pere?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in De Pere?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $140,020 for civil engineers in the De Pere 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 De Pere 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