EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineer Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$112,287/yr
Typical range: $96,559 – $144,684
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Chicago
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in Chicago
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 | $82,738 | $6,895 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $100,467 | $8,372 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $112,287 | $9,357 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $127,180 | $10,598 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $163,112 | $13,593 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $191,479 | $15,957 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $198,571 | $16,548 | +140% |
Current Salary
$112,287
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $54/hr
Next Level Target
$127,180
Senior · 6
+$15Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Civil Engineer salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $112K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Civil Engineer make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $112K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $54/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Civil Engineer in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Chicago, IL earns $145K–$174K/yr.