Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $56.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Tacoma, WA runs $56.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,549 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,535 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, civil engineers earn a competitive median hourly rate of $56.52, significantly above the national median of $49.76. This favorable positioning suggests a robust demand for engineering professionals, particularly in light of recent infrastructure investments. For part-time engineers working three days a week, this translates into roughly $43,726 annually, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while still earning a respectable income. The hourly range reflects the diversity within the profession, as entry-level engineers may start at around $37.29, while seasoned professionals, particularly those in specialized roles or with advanced licenses, can command up to $87.59. Such compensation often reflects work settings, including consulting firms, government offices, or construction sites, where engineers utilize software like CAD or Revit and engage in fieldwork, balancing technical and practical applications in various environments.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.29 | $298.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.01 | $352.06 |
| Median (P50) | $56.52 | $452.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.33 | $578.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.59 | $700.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $56.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.52/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $117,558 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,822. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,260.73 | $9,797 | $117,558 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,356.44 | $5,878 | $70,535 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $904.29 | $3,919 | $47,023 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Tacoma) | $56.52 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $117,549 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.58% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 6.30% above the Washington state average of $110,583.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.52/hr = $70,535/year (purchasing power: $65,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,558/year (purchasing power: $109,458).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Tacoma grew 15.8% from $47.54/hr (2019) to $55.07/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.00/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Examining part-time earnings reveals that civil engineers working a 24-hour week can expect a solid annual income of around $43,726, which, while less than full-time counterparts, can still be appealing for those seeking flexibility. Freelance or per-diem civil engineers in Tacoma frequently bill at rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, while expert witnesses in structural or forensic cases can earn considerably more, sometimes between $250 and $500 per hour. Employer types also influence earnings, with engineering consulting firms typically offering a stable hourly rate for projects, while Fortune 500 construction companies might provide higher compensation but fewer benefits. For engineers weighing the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits, negotiating for health insurance or other perks may sometimes justify a lower base rate. Those entering contract negotiations should consider prevailing local salary norms and the importance of gaining a Professional Engineer license to enhance future earning potential.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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