What the numbers say
Civil Engineers in Alaska had a median annual wage of $107,240 in 2024, about 11% above the national median of $96,198. That gap is real, but it comes with a catch: Alaska's cost-of-living index sits at 105.6, one of the higher readings among US states. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, the effective premium over the national figure shrinks to roughly 5%. Still positive, but closer to even than the headline number suggests.
The spread between lower and higher earners is wide. At the 10th percentile, civil engineers here earned $78,800. At the 90th, they earned $162,420, more than twice as much. That kind of range usually means the field rewards specialization and years on the job. Entry-level roles and senior project engineers are not really in the same pay conversation.
The mean wage of $115,250 runs about $8,000 above the median. A smaller group of top earners is pulling the average up. For most civil engineers in Alaska, the median is the more realistic reference point.
BLS projects employment in this occupation to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, which it classifies as faster than average. Alaska's infrastructure needs, from roads and bridges in remote terrain to port and energy projects, tend to generate steady demand for civil engineering work. Total state employment in 2024 was about 1,540 civil engineers, so the field is not large in absolute terms. That can cut both ways: fewer openings in any given year, but also less competition for them.
Salary distribution
Where Alaska civil engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,210 and $131,610, with a median of $107,240.
Civil Engineers pay by experience level in Alaska
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Alaska over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- 02
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- 03
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- 04
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- 05
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- 06
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- 07
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
- 08
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+5.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Civil Engineers in Alaska?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in Alaska is $107,240.
- How does Alaska compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
- The Alaska median is +11.5% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
- What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Alaska?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $78,800 and the 90th-percentile at $162,420, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Civil Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 5.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Civil Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.