EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Civil Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$98,659/yr
Typical range: $95,942 – $115,139
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $98,659 | $8,222 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $119,800 | $9,983 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $133,894 | $11,158 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,653 | $12,638 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $194,499 | $16,208 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $228,324 | $19,027 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $236,781 | $19,732 | +140% |
Current Salary
$98,659
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $47/hr
Next Level Target
$119,800
Junior · 2
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Civil Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Civil Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $99K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Civil Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $99K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $47/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Civil Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $173K–$207K/yr.