Where Civil Engineers salaries are high in 2025: California vs. Texas vs. New York
Introduction. Civil Engineers salaries
Let’s cut to the chase – if you’re a civil engineer in 2025, you want to know where your skills will earn the most money. While salaries are rising nationwide thanks to the infrastructure boom, three states stand out from the pack: California, Texas, and New York. But here’s the million-dollar question: which one actually puts the most money in your pocket after accounting for taxes and living costs?
The numbers tell an interesting story. California boasts the highest nominal salaries, with senior engineers in San Francisco regularly clearing $150,000. Texas offers no state income tax and a lower cost of living, making six-figure salaries go much further. And New York? It’s a mixed bag – high paychecks in the city get eaten alive by expenses, but upstate roles offer surprising value.
We’ve crunched the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state workforce commissions, and engineering associations to give you the real picture. This isn’t just about gross salaries – we’ll show you how much you’ll actually keep after taxes, what a comfortable lifestyle costs in each state, and where your career might grow fastest.
Whether you’re a recent grad deciding where to start your career or a seasoned pro considering a move, this comparison will help you make the smartest financial decision. Let’s break down the numbers and see which state truly offers civil engineers the best deal in 2025.
The Salary Showdown. Civil Engineers salaries
1. California: High Pay, Higher Costs
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Average Salary: $115,000 (25% above national average)
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Top Metro: San Francisco ($135,000 avg for people)
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Tax Burden: 9.3% state tax on $100k+ incomes
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Reality Check: 150ksalary≈90k after taxes/housing
Source: CA Employment Development Dept
2. Texas: More Bang for Your Buck
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Average Salary: $98,000
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Top Metro: Houston ($110,000 for energy sector roles)
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Tax Advantage: No state income tax
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Reality Check: 110ksalary≈85k after housing
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
3. New York: Two Very Different Stories Civil Engineers salaries
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NYC Salary: 120,000(but3,500/month studios)
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Upstate Salary: 95,000(housesunder300k)
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Tax Reality: NYC’s 3.9% local tax on top of state
Source: NY Dept of Labor
Cost of Living Reality Check Civil Engineers salaries
| Expense | California | Texas | NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $2,800 | $1,400 | $3,500 |
| Gas Price | $4.85/gal | $3.15/gal | $3.75/gal |
| Monthly Utilities | $220 | $150 | $180 |
Surprise Winner: Texas engineers save $25k+/year on housing alone compared to California peers.
Where Your Career Grows Fastest
California
✔️ Cutting-edge seismic and water projects
✔️ Best for: Structural engineers, water resources
Texas
✔️ Energy and transportation megaprojects
✔️ Best for: Petroleum, transportation engineers
New York
✔️ Bridge/tunnel rehabilitation work
✔️ Best for: Geotechnical, construction managers
The Verdict
Choose California If: You want top nominal salaries and don’t mind roommates
Pick Texas For: Maximum take-home pay and affordable homes
Consider NYC Only If: You land a $140k+ role or can work upstate
“Many of our engineers are doing 2-3 year stints in California for the resume boost, then moving to Texas to actually buy homes,” shares recruiter Michael Tran.
