The American Society of Civil Engineers, or ASCE, has released its 2026 Civil Engineering Salary Report, highlighting a sustained upward trend in base pay across the profession. Compensation for civil engineers is now $152,000 on average for base pay, according to the research. This growth represents a $8,000 increase since 2025, continuing the trend seen when compensation rose $7,000 in 2024. Growth is currently stable at 6%. The findings are based on a survey of 2,444 society members conducted to capture current compensation and benefit trends.
Marsha Anderson Bomar, Ph.D., AICP, ENV SP, NAE, H.ITE, F.ASCE, serves as the 2026 President of the ASCE.D., AICP, ENV SP, NAE, H.ITE, F.ASCE, attributes this pay growth to a combination of factors, including a persistent talent shortage across various experience levels. Additionally, she noted that the increased reliance on technology and artificial intelligence requires human oversight, further elevating the perceived value of skilled engineers. Furthermore, the role of civil engineers in designing resilient infrastructure amid frequent natural disasters has raised the profile of the profession.
Licensure remains a primary driver of compensation. Statistics show that professionals holding P.E. credentials earn substantially more than colleagues without such official certification.E. Professionals with a $159,000 median primary income often work at large firms, as pay gaps exist compared to smaller businesses. Sector and organizational characteristics also influence earnings. Median pay for forensic engineering roles reached nearly $184,000. Construction roles paid $180,000, outearning structural engineering positions by $130,000. Additionally, holding a license is nearly $49,000 higher than those with no licenses or certifications. Private industry defense roles top the scale at nearly $169,000. Conversely, state government roles and structural engineering disciplines reported lower median incomes.
While the industry shows positive momentum, the report also identifies ongoing disparities. A gender pay gap persists, with men earning nearly $30,000 more than women, though this difference narrows when adjusting for experience and licensure. Entry-level compensation has largely stagnated, hovering just above $77,000. Organizations with 1–10 employees paid a median salary of $129,000. Larger firms with more than 10,000 staff continue to pay more, following a $9,000 salary increase observed from 2024.
Beyond base salary, the survey found that 95.6% of employers now offer health insurance. Companies are also increasingly adopting modernized benefits, such as paid professional memberships, flexible schedules, and expanded parental leave. These trends are particularly relevant for insurers and risk managers, as they reflect a shift in human capital costs and the evolving landscape of professional services procurement.
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