SalaryByCity

Civil Engineers vs Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Civil Engineers

$99,590

Median annual salary

355,410 employed nationally

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

$62,340

Median annual salary

1,393,310 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Civil Engineers professionals earn $37,250 more per year than Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education professionals — that's 59.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Civil Engineers earns $160,990 compared to $102,010 for Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education.

Salary Range Comparison

Civil Engineers$65,920 – $160,990
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$46,440 – $102,010
$46,440$160,990

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileCivil EngineersElementary School Teachers, Except Special EducationDifference
10th Percentile$65,920$46,440+$19,480
25th Percentile$78,790$50,680+$28,110
Median (50th)$99,590$62,340+$37,250
75th Percentile$128,290$79,410+$48,880
90th Percentile$160,990$102,010+$58,980
Mean (Average)$107,050$69,790+$37,260

Employment Numbers

Civil Engineers

355,410

employed nationwide

Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

1,393,310

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Civil Engineers

CityMedian
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 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education

CityMedian
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA$100,580
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$99,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$99,780
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$98,890
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA$98,270

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more: Civil Engineers or Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Civil Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $37,250 (59.8% 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 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education?
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education salaries range from $46,440 (10th percentile) to $102,010 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,340.
How many Civil Engineers and Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education jobs are there?
There are approximately 355,410 Civil Engineers positions and 1,393,310 Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education to Civil Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Civil Engineers has a median salary of $99,590 while Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education earns $62,340. 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

Cost of Living by CityCollege & University DataSalary Calculators

Was this data helpful?

Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS