EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$196,571/yr
Typical range: $174,363 – $209,253
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $99,710 | $8,309 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,077 | $10,090 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $135,321 | $11,277 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $153,269 | $12,772 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $196,571 | $16,381 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $230,758 | $19,230 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $239,304 | $19,942 | +140% |
Current Salary
$196,571
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$230,758
Principal · 14
+$34Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $197K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Civil Engineer make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $197K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $95/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Civil Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Boston, MA earns $174K–$209K/yr.