What the numbers say
The median wage for Civil Engineers in North Dakota was $96,160 in 2024, almost exactly at the national median of $96,198. The gap is less than $40. For a state this size, that is a closer match than we see in most occupations.
The spread across earners is wider than the headline suggests. Civil Engineers at the 10th percentile earned around $62,450, while those at the 90th earned $139,880. Top earners made a little over twice what the lowest-paid peers did. That range likely reflects the mix of entry-level public-works roles versus senior project leads on large infrastructure contracts, though the data does not break it down further.
Cost of living shifts the picture in North Dakota's favor. The state's overall price level sits at 91.9 against a national baseline of 100. In practical terms, the $96,160 median buys more here than the same number would in most other states. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, North Dakota's median lands closer to $104,600 in national-baseline dollars, putting it roughly 9% above the US figure in real terms.
BLS projects employment for Civil Engineers to grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, which falls in the faster-than-average category. North Dakota's infrastructure investment tied to energy and agriculture continues to support demand for civil engineering work at the state level, though that context is ours to note and the projection figure itself comes from the national BLS series.
Salary distribution
Where North Dakota civil engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $75,200 and $110,430, with a median of $96,160.
Civil Engineers pay by experience level in North Dakota
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.
Civil Engineers in North Dakota, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Professional services leads with a median of $87,901.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | Stantec Consulting Services Inc. | 1 | $87,901 |
| Education | NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY | 1 | $59,600 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in North Dakota is $96,160.
- How does North Dakota compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
- The North Dakota median is 0.0% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
- What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in North Dakota?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $62,450 and the 90th-percentile at $139,880, 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.