Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Superior, WI: $142,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Superior, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $142,561/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Superior's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $152,635 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
Senior civil engineers in Superior, Wisconsin, can achieve remarkable financial rewards, with the potential to earn as much as $142,561 annually for top-tier professionals in 2026. This salary range highlights the significant experience premium available in the area, as the median annual salary stands at $91,975. The gap between average earnings and top pay is indicative of the advanced skills and leadership qualities required to excel. To reach such heights in civil engineering, professionals typically gain considerable expertise and often specialize in critical fields such as structural or water resources engineering, which can greatly enhance their value in the job market.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Superior earn between $117,728 and $142,561 per year (2026 est.). This $76,313 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Superior median of $91,975 sits 11.13% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Superior | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $91,975 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,728 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $142,561 | $167,513 |
In Superior, 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 Superior
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $91,975 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Superior employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Superior command premium compensation, often reaching the $117,728–$142,561 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Superior 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 Superior 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 Superior
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSuperior ranks #17 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $142,561).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Superior ($142,561) is 5.58% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($135,031).
2019 BLS Actual
$123,027
2025 BLS Actual
$138,908
2026 Current Est.
$142,561
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,027 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,441 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,311 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Superior saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $123,027 in 2019 to $138,908 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 $146,311 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
Salaries in Superior's civil engineering sector are heavily influenced by specialization and employer type. Engineers specializing in structural, geotechnical, or transportation projects often demand premium pay, reflective of the technical intricacies involved in such work. Compensation varies widely, depending on whether one is employed by leading engineering consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs, large Fortune 500 construction corporations such as Bechtel or Kiewit, regional public works departments, or federal agencies like the EPA. The career trajectory for senior engineers typically involves progressing from roles such as engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE), eventually advancing to senior engineer or project manager positions. Notably, obtaining advanced credentials, including licensure as a PE and potentially a specialty license, plays a critical role in closing the salary gap between entry-level and senior positions. Additional benefits often accompany senior civil engineer pay in WI, such as influence on major infrastructure projects, particularly in light of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's funding impact.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Superior in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Superior?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Superior?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Superior?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Superior?
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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 $138,908 for civil engineers in the Superior 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 Superior 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