Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Racine, WI: $139,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Racine, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $139,567/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Racine's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $145,441 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Racine, Wisconsin, experienced civil engineers can achieve impressive salaries, particularly among top earners. With a projected salary of $139,567 for the 90th percentile in 2026, those with significant expertise in the field demonstrate a pronounced earning capacity compared to the median of $96,872. This substantial gap illustrates the experience premium available for senior civil engineers who excel in high-demand specializations. To reach these levels of pay, professionals often need to navigate significant career advancements, gaining critical certifications and licenses such as the Professional Engineer (PE) designation, while specializing in complex engineering areas like transportation or structural analysis.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Racine earn between $123,946 and $139,567 per year (2026 est.). This $65,776 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Racine median of $96,872 sits 6.4% below the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Racine | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,872 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,946 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $139,567 | $167,513 |
In Racine, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 44.07% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Racine
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $96,872 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Racine employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Racine command premium compensation, often reaching the $123,946–$139,567 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRacine ranks #28 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $139,567).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Racine ($139,567) is 3.36% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($135,031).
2019 BLS Actual
$138,400
2025 BLS Actual
$135,990
2026 Current Est.
$139,567
2019–2027 Growth
+3.5%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,420 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $125,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,237 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Racine saw their compensation grow -1.7% from $138,400 in 2019 to $135,990 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 $143,237 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
Compensation for senior civil engineers in Racine can vary significantly depending on the industry and employer type. Engineering consulting firms, especially well-established names like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, often provide higher salaries due to their extensive project portfolios and client demands. Those working in the public sector, such as local DOTs or federal agencies, may find stability but typically earn less compared to their counterparts in the private sector. The ongoing landscape influenced by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has created further opportunities for professionals specializing in construction management or environmental engineering, providing attractive salary potential. Advancing one's credentials through continuing education, specialized licenses, and leadership roles can also enhance earning prospects, paving the way toward senior roles that command premium pay rates.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Racine in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Racine?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Racine?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Racine?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Racine?
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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 $135,990 for civil engineers in the Racine 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, 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