Civil Engineer Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Engineering · COL Index: 107.3
$100,280
Median Salary
$107,650
Mean Salary
$93,458
COL-Adjusted
8,870
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $73,090 | $68,117 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,400 | $75,862 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $100,280 | $93,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,060 | $120,280 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $160,840 | $149,897 |
What Drives the Range
The $87,750 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Civil Engineer positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $100,280 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $93,458 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.