salary$101,780 a year$49 an hour · median pay in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$77,970per year
Top pay (top 10%)$159,990per year
Jobs in the area8,470people work this job
Can a civil engineer afford Arlington?
Expensive. Rent of $2,666 a month takes 31.4% of the median civil engineer salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Civil Engineer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a civil engineer make in Arlington, VA?
The median pay for a civil engineer in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is $101,780 a year ($49 an hour). Most earn between $77,970 and $159,990.
Can a civil engineer afford to live in Arlington?
Typical rent of $2,666 a month takes 31.4% of the median civil engineer salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area.