Civil Engineer Jobs in Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth, New Hampshire$100,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Civil Engineer Salary in Portsmouth

Entry Level
$65,195
Median
$100,300
Senior Level
$142,485

Civil Engineer salaries in Portsmouth are 18% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

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

Required Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementConstructionRegulations

Civil Engineer Job Market in Portsmouth

Portsmouth, NH is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Portsmouth offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Tourism 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 Portsmouth

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Civil Engineers in Portsmouth include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Civil Engineers in Portsmouth

Living in Portsmouth as a Civil Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 118% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Civil Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 22% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

118
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a Civil Engineer in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Civil Engineers in Portsmouth: 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 New Hampshire

New Hampshire has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Civil Engineer earning $100,300 would save approximately $5,015 annually. This makes Portsmouth attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Civil Engineers

The job outlook for Civil Engineers in Portsmouth is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Portsmouth offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, Construction.

Relocating to Portsmouth

New Hampshire has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Portsmouth, NH?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Portsmouth, NH is $100,300 per year. Entry-level Civil Engineers typically start around $65,195, while experienced professionals can earn $142,485 or more. The national average for Civil Engineer roles is $85,000.

How many Civil Engineer jobs are available in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Civil Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Civil Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Tourism and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Portsmouth a good city for Civil Engineers?

Portsmouth is an solid choice for Civil Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

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

Top skills for Civil Engineers in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth?

Portsmouth's cost of living is above the national average (118% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Portsmouth is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Civil Engineers in Portsmouth?

Portsmouth Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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