Civil Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$86,700 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Civil Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$56,355
Median
$86,700
Senior Level
$123,165

Civil Engineer salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementConstructionRegulations

Civil Engineer Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Civil Engineer professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. While Healthcare leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Civil Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Civil Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Civil Engineers in Philadelphia

City of PhiladelphiaSEPTAComcastIndependence Blue Cross

Major employers hiring Civil Engineers in Philadelphia include City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Comcast, Independence Blue Cross. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Civil Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for Civil Engineer salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Civil Engineer in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Civil Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Civil Engineers

The job outlook for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $86,700 per year. Entry-level Civil Engineers typically start around $56,355, while experienced professionals can earn $123,165 or more. The national average for Civil Engineer roles is $85,000.

How many Civil Engineer jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Civil Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Civil Engineers include City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Comcast, Independence Blue Cross. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Civil Engineers?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for Civil Engineers. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction, Regulations. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Civil Engineers in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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