EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Civil Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$198,523/yr
Typical range: $176,094 – $211,330
P90 · 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 | $100,700 | $8,392 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,278 | $10,190 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $136,664 | $11,389 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,790 | $12,899 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $198,523 | $16,544 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $233,048 | $19,421 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $241,680 | $20,140 | +140% |
Current Salary
$198,523
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $95/hr
Next Level Target
$233,048
Principal · 14
+$35Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Civil Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Civil Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $199K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $199K 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 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.