EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$136,392/yr
Typical range: $117,287 – $175,743
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $100,499 | $8,375 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $122,035 | $10,170 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $136,392 | $11,366 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $154,481 | $12,873 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $198,127 | $16,511 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $232,583 | $19,382 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $241,198 | $20,100 | +140% |
Current Salary
$136,392
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $66/hr
Next Level Target
$154,481
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 Washington DC, DC?
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineers in Washington DC, DC 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 Washington DC, DC?
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 Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $176K–$211K/yr.