Texas tech capital — Tesla, Oracle, Apple — booming. Here's how Civil Engineers in Austin get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Austin metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $85,700 | $65,100 | $111,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $106,500 | $80,900 | $138,500 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $122,500 | $93,100 | $159,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $147,000 | $111,700 | $191,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $166,600 | $126,600 | $216,500 |
Highest-paying metros for Civil Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Austin metro economy.
The average Civil Engineer salary in the Austin metro is $122,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $93,100 to $159,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $202,100 or more.
Yes — Austin pays +3% relative to the Texas state median for Civil Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Austin vs. national: +13%. That puts Austin among the stronger US markets for Civil Engineers — though cost of living in Austin is also typically elevated.
In Austin, the median Civil Engineer salary of $122,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Civil Engineers in Austin start around $85,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $147,000 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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