RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Civil Engineers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$100,370
Mean annual$108,530
Range (10th to 90th)$66,780 to $162,060
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment8,280
State vs national+4.3% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. civil engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$66,78025TH$82,220MEDIAN$100,37075TH$129,46090TH$162,060

The middle 50% of workers earn between $82,220 and $129,460, with a median of $100,370.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.

  2. 02

    Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.

  3. 03

    Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.

  4. 04

    Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.

  5. 05

    Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.

  6. 06

    Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.

  7. 07

    Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.

  8. 08

    Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Civil Engineers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $100,370.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Civil Engineers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -1.8% versus the District of Columbia state median of $102,170.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +4.3% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $66,780 and the 90th-percentile at $162,060 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary 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.