Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in South Valley, NM: $45.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in South Valley, NM runs $45.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,610 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against South Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in South Valley, NM, earn a median hourly rate of $45.49, which is notably lower than the national average of $49.76. This hourly figure reflects the compensation landscape for both full-time professionals and part-time workers who might engage in flexible schedules, such as three days a week. Those operating in traditional settings might find themselves working within consulting firms equipped with advanced design tools like CAD, Revit, and AutoCAD, or in governmental offices addressing infrastructure needs. Entry-level civil engineers can expect to earn approximately $29.91 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates upwards of $70.51, illustrating a significant disparity in pay based on experience and specialization.
About the South Valley Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.91 | $239.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.69 | $301.49 |
| Median (P50) | $45.49 | $363.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.22 | $465.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.51 | $564.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Valley
Based on $45.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.49/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Valley, NM can expect to earn approximately $94,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,583. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,819.42 | $7,884 | $94,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,091.65 | $4,731 | $56,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.77 | $3,154 | $37,844 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (South Valley) | $45.49 |
| 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 South Valley, NM earn a median of $94,610 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $103,492 and 3.20% below the New Mexico state average of $97,738.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.49/hr = $56,766/year (purchasing power: $60,134).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,610/year (purchasing power: $100,223).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in South Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in South Valley grew 15.8% from $38.26/hr (2019) to $44.32/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.68/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 South Valley 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 South Valley
Considering the dynamics of part-time employment, a civil engineer working three days a week at 24 hours would see their gross income around $54,083 annually, far short of their full-time counterparts. Additionally, per-diem civil engineering positions in South Valley often yield higher rates; those in contract or agency roles might bill anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour, particularly if they possess specialized skills in areas such as geotechnical studies or hydraulic assessments. Structures of employment also vary considerably across different types of employers. Engineering consulting firms, like AECOM or Jacobs, may offer lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, while larger construction firms like Bechtel might prioritize higher pay for flexibility. As civil engineers explore job opportunities in South Valley, negotiating benefits versus pay is a crucial consideration, allowing them to tailor their roles to fit both financial and personal career goals.
More salary data for South Valley, NM:
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 South Valley. 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 South Valley 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