Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $48.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Bear, DE runs $48.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,864 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $48.49, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.76. This wage provides a solid foundation for professionals working in various environments including consulting firms, construction sites, and government offices. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, the income translates well into a manageable lifestyle, while per-diem civil engineers often find opportunities that allow them to make up for potential hourly discrepancies. The pay range in Bear stretches from $34.64 for entry-level positions to $72.10 for experienced professionals, reflecting the diverse skill sets within civil engineering roles. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, offering key insights for both newcomers and established engineers seeking flexible work structures in a growing local economy.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.64 | $277.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.07 | $312.57 |
| Median (P50) | $48.49 | $387.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.77 | $478.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.10 | $576.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $48.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.49/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $100,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,191. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,939.71 | $8,405 | $100,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,163.82 | $5,043 | $60,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.88 | $3,362 | $40,346 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Bear) | $48.49 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in Bear, DE earn a median of $100,864 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $105,286.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.49/hr = $60,519/year (purchasing power: $59,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,865/year (purchasing power: $99,179).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Bear grew 15.8% from $40.79/hr (2019) to $47.25/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Civil Engineer in Bear
Civil engineers working part-time in Bear, comprising approximately 24 hours per week, could expect an annual take-home of around $56,275, compared to full-time roles that might yield significantly more. On the other hand, per-diem civil engineers often enjoy the flexibility to charge higher rates, billing amounts ranging from $100 to $180 per hour. Those with specialized expertise, such as structural or forensic engineers acting as expert witnesses, can command fees of $250 to $500 per hour, showcasing a profitable side of the profession. Hourly pay can also vary significantly based on employer type; major engineering firms like AECOM and Jacobs typically offer different compensation structures compared to local public works departments or federal agencies. Some civil engineers may accept lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, a trade-off that reflects individual preferences and needs. For successful negotiations in Bear's job market, professionals should be well-informed about current rates and factor in their skills and certifications, including the PE license which typically opens doors for higher-paying roles in both consulting and construction.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in Bear. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bear is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov