Civil Engineer Salary in Anchorage, AK: $115,705 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Anchorage, AK earns a median $115,705/year (≈ $55.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Anchorage's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.4), that paycheck buys what $109,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The civil engineer salary in Anchorage, Alaska, reaches a median of $115,705 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $103,492. The salary structure showcases a broad range, with figures varying from $81,016 at the lower end (P10) to $163,510 at the upper end (P90). This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the different pay tiers within the city. Civil engineers employed in consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs tend to command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in government roles or construction-focused positions. Anchorage's job market for civil engineers is poised for growth, driven by infrastructure projects that create demand for skilled professionals in both the public and private sectors.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,016 | $38.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,482 | $46.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,705 | $55.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,030 | $64.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,510 | $78.61 |
Median Salary Position
11.80% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anchorage
In Anchorage, AK, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,494 (2026 est.). At $115,705, the local median is 11.8% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anchorage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anchorage Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Anchorage median: $115,705/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anchorage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $109,777 | +5.40% more |
| National Average | $103,492 | +11.80% more |
Civil Engineers in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $115,705 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.80% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 5.40% above the Alaska state average of $109,777.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anchorage has a cost of living 5.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anchorage, AK has a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,705 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,756 — a 5.14% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,620
2025 BLS Actual
$112,740
2026 Current Est.
$115,705
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,620 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,705 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,748 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anchorage metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 13.2% from $99,620 (2019) to $112,740 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,748 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,128 (19.20%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $81,016 – $96,482 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,482 – $115,705 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,705 – $135,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,030 – $163,510 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Anchorage
Anchorage's job market for civil engineers is robust, with approximately 1,110 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost-of-living index of 105.42 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also contend with higher living expenses. Notably, firms such as Bechtel, Fluor, and local firms focused on public works are among the top payers, often providing salaries that reflect the demand for experienced engineers. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include licensure, with Professional Engineer (PE) credentials providing a pathway to higher earnings, as well as specialization in high-demand fields like transportation and structural engineering. Additionally, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has bolstered project funding, creating opportunities for civil engineers to leverage their expertise to maximize pay in Anchorage's evolving job market. For those seeking better compensation, pursuing senior technical roles or management positions can offer significant financial rewards.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $112,740 for civil engineersin the Anchorage metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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