Civil Engineers vs Construction Managers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Construction Managers professionals earn $7,390 more per year than Civil Engineers professionals — that's 7.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $176,990 for Construction Managers.
Salary Range Comparison
Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Construction Managers$65,160 – $176,990
$65,160$176,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Civil Engineers | Construction Managers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,920 | $65,160 | +$760 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,790 | $83,480 | $-4,690 |
| Median (50th) | $99,590 | $106,980 | $-7,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,290 | $139,330 | $-11,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $160,990 | $176,990 | $-16,000 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,050 | $119,660 | $-12,610 |
Employment Numbers
Civil Engineers
355,410
employed nationwide
Construction Managers
348,330
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $130,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $129,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $126,560 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $109,250 |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $108,010 |
Best Cities for Construction Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $151,980 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $138,000 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $136,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,730 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $128,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Construction Managers?
Construction Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $7,390 (7.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers?
Civil Engineers salaries range from $65,920 (10th percentile) to $160,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $99,590.
What is the salary range for Construction Managers?
Construction Managers salaries range from $65,160 (10th percentile) to $176,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $106,980.
How many Civil Engineers and Construction Managers jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 348,330 Construction Managers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Construction Managers to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Construction Managers earns $106,980. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS