Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Kenosha, WI: $126,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Kenosha, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $126,440/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Kenosha's price premium (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $125,042 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior civil engineers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, can expect strong earning potential, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $97,591. Those at the top of the pay scale can command impressive figures, reaching upwards of $126,440 as indicated by the P90 benchmark. This gap between the median and top-tier salaries highlights the significant experience premium that advanced professionals in the field can leverage to achieve lucrative compensation. To reach these elite pay levels, senior engineers typically build extensive expertise in specialized areas, take on critical project leadership roles, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the local market dynamics, all of which are essential for those seeking the highest civil engineer salary in Kenosha.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Kenosha earn between $105,986 and $126,440 per year (2026 est.). This $51,756 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenosha median of $97,591 sits 5.7% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenosha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $97,591 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,986 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $126,440 | $167,513 |
In Kenosha, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 29.56% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Kenosha
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $97,591 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenosha employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Kenosha command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,986–$126,440 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenosha metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Kenosha with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Kenosha
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenosha ranks #46 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $126,440).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Kenosha ($126,440) is 6.36% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($135,031).
2019 BLS Actual
$109,115
2025 BLS Actual
$123,200
2026 Current Est.
$126,440
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,304 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,704 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,766 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Kenosha saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $109,115 in 2019 to $123,200 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $129,766 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Kenosha
Specific specializations are particularly relevant when it comes to premium pay in Kenosha's civil engineering sector. Disciplines such as structural engineering, transportation, water resources, and environmental engineering are in high demand, commanding better compensation packages. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type, with engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs typically offering higher salaries compared to local public works departments or federal agencies. Advancement opportunities abound for seasoned professionals, ranging from positions as project managers to principal or partner roles, often necessitating advanced credentials like the PE license and further specialization. Moreover, the current surge in infrastructure spending, driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is amplifying demand for experienced engineers, making this an opportune time for experienced civil engineers to position themselves for top civil engineer salaries in the region.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Kenosha in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Kenosha?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Kenosha?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Kenosha?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Kenosha?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $123,200 for civil engineers in the Kenosha metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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