Overview of Civil Engineer Salaries in Texas
Are you considering a career as a civil engineer in Texas? If so, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the salary range you can expect in this field. Salaries can vary depending on several factors such as the level of experience, qualification, and location. Therefore, it’s crucial to take these factors into consideration while looking for employment opportunities.
In Texas, civil engineer salary varies from one location to another. The highest-paid civil engineers are found in Houston, followed by Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Moreover, the category and type of employer you are employed under also affect the salary you can expect. This article provides an overview of Civil Engineer salaries in Texas to help you set realistic earning expectations.
Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Texas
As an Entry-Level Civil Engineer in Texas, you can expect a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 per year. Your salary may vary depending on the location you work and the type of engineering firm or company where you are employed. Entry-level engineers usually perform tasks such as drawing designs, assisting with project planning, and performing field inspections.
Entry-level Civil Engineer salaries are significantly lower than that of veteran engineers. However, you are most likely to receive salary hikes as you gain experience and progress in your career.
Mid-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Texas
If you are a Mid-Level Civil Engineer in Texas, you can expect a salary range of $70,000 to $90,000 per year. Mid-Level engineers have years of experience, and work comfortably on complex projects such as bridgework, highway construction, as well as commercial and residential buildings.
Your salary may vary depending on your level of experience, location, and employer. You might expect higher salaries if working on high-budget projects, such as infrastructure development, or employed by government agencies or top engineering consulting companies.
Experienced Civil Engineer Salary in Texas
If you are an Experienced Civil Engineer in Texas, you can expect a salary range of $90,000 to $120,000 per year or more. Experienced engineers have an average of about 10-20 years of experience in the field. They are in charge of supervising, managing, and implementing projects from planning to completion, so they require higher salary than entry-level and mid-level engineers. Your level of experience, location, and the type of employer can significantly impact your salary.
Experienced Civil Engineers are better positioned to negotiate better salaries and work perks. They may be employed by big engineering consulting firms like Mott MacDonald, Arup, or AECOM in Texas. These companies engage in large-scale projects such as highway constructions, infrastructure development, and water treatment facilities.
Conclusion
Salary ranges in Texas may vary depending on a variety of factors as already mentioned. When deciding to pursue a career in civil engineering in Texas, it is essential to research the industry locally. Additionally, It is also important to take into account the cost of living in the location where you plan to work, as well as your personal career goals.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that civil engineering is one of the most in-demand engineering professions in Texas. You can expect high salaries and a good career progression if you deploy efforts to gain relevant experience and stay updated with the industry’s dynamic trends and technological advancements.
Factors Affecting Civil Engineer Salaries in Texas
When it comes to determining a civil engineer’s salary in Texas, several factors come into play. As mentioned earlier, the location, education, and experience of a civil engineer can significantly influence their earning potential. However, other factors that may determine a civil engineer’s salary in Texas include:
Industry
The industry in which a civil engineer chooses to work will significantly affect their salary. The highest-paying industry for civil engineers in Texas is the construction industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for civil engineers working in the construction industry in Texas is $98,520. Other high paying industries for civil engineers in Texas include the oil and gas industry and the architectural and engineering services sector.
Certification
Obtaining certification can significantly increase a civil engineer’s earning potential in Texas. A Professional Engineer (PE) certification, for instance, can demonstrate that a civil engineer has the necessary skills and knowledge to design, build, and maintain various civil engineering projects and systems. Most employers in Texas prefer to hire civil engineers that have this certification. According to Payscale, civil engineers in Texas who have a PE certification earn an average of $82,000 annually, compared to those without the certification, who earn an average of $73,000 per year.
Skills
The skills that a civil engineer has can also determine their rate of pay. Some essential skills for civil engineers in Texas include excellent project management, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. Civil engineers with hands-on experience and skills in project management and leadership can earn more than those with technical proficiency alone. Therefore, as a civil engineer, it’s crucial to develop various skills beyond technical engineering knowledge to increase your earning potential.
Company Size
The size of the company a civil engineer works for can influence their salary in Texas. Generally, larger engineering firms tend to pay more than smaller ones. According to data from Payscale, civil engineers in Texas who work for companies with over 10,000 employees earn an average of $89,000 per year, while those working in companies with fewer than ten employees earn an average of $67,000 annually.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
In Texas, the push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is growing, and companies are seeking to recruit civil engineers that share the same values. Civil engineers who possess attributes and practices in line with DEI can generate higher demand in the Texas job market, leading to higher pay offers. Moreover, companies that promote DEI values tend to attract more clients, and civil engineers working in such an environment may open up opportunities for growth and, ultimately, more excellent pay.
In conclusion, several factors affect civil engineers’ salaries in Texas. When pursuing a career in civil engineering in Texas, you must know where the highest-paying jobs are and what skills and certifications can increase your earning potential. Don’t forget to consider the company you work for, as it can deeply impact your salary and career growth. Lastly, always keep up with DEI values and practices as it can positively impact both your career and the companies that employ you.
Highest-Paying Industries for Civil Engineers in Texas
Civil engineers in Texas have the opportunity to work in various industries that pay high salaries. These industries include construction, oil and gas, and government. As the state continues to grow and expand, the demand for civil engineers in these industries continues to rise.
Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the highest-paying industries for civil engineers in Texas. The state has a significant need for infrastructure development, which provides ample opportunities for construction companies to take on large projects. Civil engineers in the construction industry are responsible for designing and implementing infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and buildings.
The average salary for civil engineers in the construction industry in Texas is around $85,000 to $90,000 per year. This salary can vary depending on the engineer’s level of experience and the size of the company they work for. Large construction companies often pay higher salaries than smaller ones.
Civil engineers in the construction industry typically need to have a degree in civil engineering and a license to practice in the state. They also need to have a strong understanding of project management to ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget.
Oil and Gas Industry
The oil and gas industry is another high-paying industry for civil engineers in Texas. The state is one of the leading producers of oil and gas in the United States, which provides a significant amount of job opportunities for engineers in the industry. Civil engineers in the oil and gas industry are responsible for designing and implementing infrastructure related to oil and gas extraction and distribution.
The average salary for civil engineers in the oil and gas industry in Texas is around $100,000 per year. However, this salary can vary depending on the engineer’s level of experience, specific job duties, and the company they work for. Large oil and gas companies often pay higher salaries than smaller ones.
Civil engineers in the oil and gas industry typically need to have a degree in civil engineering and experience working in the industry. They also need to have a strong understanding of the specific regulations and safety requirements related to oil and gas extraction and distribution.
Government
The government is another high-paying industry for civil engineers in Texas. Civil engineers who work for the government are responsible for designing and implementing infrastructure projects related to public works, such as roads, bridges, and government buildings.
The average salary for civil engineers who work for the government in Texas is around $75,000 to $80,000 per year. However, this salary can vary depending on the engineer’s level of experience, specific job duties, and the type of government agency they work for. Federal government agencies often pay higher salaries than state or local agencies.
Civil engineers who work for the government typically need to have a degree in civil engineering and experience working on public works projects. They also need to have a strong understanding of the specific regulations related to public works projects and the ability to work within government budgets and timelines.
Overall, civil engineers in Texas have the opportunity to work in various industries that provide high-paying salaries. The construction, oil and gas, and government industries are three of the leading industries that have a significant need for civil engineers and are willing to pay competitive salaries to attract and retain top talent in the field.
Cities with the Highest Salaries for Civil Engineers in Texas
Civil engineers are an essential part of the construction industry, and their work involves using their knowledge in mathematics, science, and engineering to design and supervise various infrastructure projects. In Texas, there are several cities that offer competitive salaries to civil engineers, reflecting the high demand for this profession. This article highlights the top four cities in Texas with the highest salaries for civil engineers.
Houston, Texas
Houston is one of the most populous cities in Texas and is the fourth largest in the United States. It’s also the home of the headquarters of the NASA Space Center and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. In addition to its fast-growing economy, Houston offers civil engineers some of the highest salaries in Texas, with an average salary of $90,900 per year. With its diverse range of industries, such as oil, gas, and energy, Houston provides civil engineers plenty of opportunities to grow both professionally and financially.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is another fast-growing city in Texas, and it offers engineers a range of job opportunities and attractive salaries. The average salary for civil engineers in Dallas is around $87,900 per year, which is higher than the national average. The city’s booming economy and the high demand for civil engineers make it a top destination for those in the construction industry. Moreover, Dallas is home to several construction projects and engineering firms, providing ample career opportunities for civil engineers.
Austin, Texas
Austin, the capital of Texas, is known for its vibrant culture and entrepreneurship spirit. In addition to being home to the University of Texas, the city also offers great job opportunities for civil engineers in the private and public sectors. With an average salary of $86,180 per year, Austin is one of the top cities in Texas for civil engineering careers. Its booming construction industry and the increasing demand for infrastructure projects make it an ideal location for civil engineers who want to work on exciting and challenging projects.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is another large city in Texas that offers great job opportunities for civil engineers. The city is home to several engineering firms and construction projects, including the Alamo City Constructors, which builds projects relating to the military. The average salary for civil engineers in San Antonio is around $82,560 per year, which is still higher than the national average. San Antonio’s construction industry is expected to grow by 10% in the next few years, making it an ideal city for civil engineers to live and work.
Conclusion
Civil engineering is a highly sought-after profession in Texas, with many cities providing competitive salaries and job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a bustling metropolis like Houston or a vibrant cultural hub like Austin, there are many great cities in Texas that offer fantastic career opportunities for civil engineers. Additionally, the state government is investing heavily in infrastructure projects, providing even more employment prospects for engineers. This provides a steady stream of job opportunities and ensures that civil engineers in Texas enjoy a high quality of life.
Civil Engineer Salary Texas
Job Outlook for Civil Engineers in Texas
Texas offers a promising job outlook for civil engineers. The state is home to a flourishing economy that is favorable for the construction industry to thrive. Texas ranks at the top for infrastructure spending and this has led to a high demand for civil engineers. In fact, Texas employs more civil engineers than any other state in the US, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS also reports that the employment rate for civil engineers in Texas is expected to grow by 20% from 2016 to 2026, which is higher than the national average. This job growth is attributed to the increase in population, urbanization, aging infrastructure, and natural disasters. With these factors in place, there is an increasing demand for civil engineers who can tackle complex construction projects and improve the existing infrastructure.
In addition to the high demand for civil engineers, Texas also offers several job opportunities in various industries. Civil engineers can find work in government agencies, construction companies, architectural firms, and consulting firms. Government agencies such as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) are some of the largest employers of civil engineers in the state.
With the strong job outlook and numerous job opportunities for civil engineers in Texas, it is important to look at the salary prospects as well. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for civil engineers in Texas was $86,210 as of May 2019, which is slightly higher than the national median salary of $87,060. The top 10% of civil engineers in Texas earn an annual salary of more than $133,880.
To pursue a career in civil engineering in Texas, one must have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field. Texas has several universities that offer accredited civil engineering programs such as the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University. Civil engineers in Texas can broaden their job prospects further by obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is a requirement to work on public projects.
In conclusion, civil engineering is a promising career choice in Texas due to the booming construction industry, high job growth, numerous job opportunities, and competitive salaries. With the right education and training, civil engineers in Texas can look forward to a successful and prosperous career.