EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$136,280/yr
Typical range: $117,191 – $175,600
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $100,417 | $8,368 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $121,935 | $10,161 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $136,280 | $11,357 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,355 | $12,863 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $197,965 | $16,497 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $232,394 | $19,366 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $241,001 | $20,083 | +140% |
Current Salary
$136,280
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$154,355
Senior · 6
+$18Kpotential 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 Seattle, WA?
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $136K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $136K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $66/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Civil Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $176K–$211K/yr.