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Average Civil Engineer Salary in Louisiana (Baton Rouge vs. New Orleans)
In 2025, a civil engineer’s wage in Louisiana varies depending on role, skills, and city. Baton Rouge and New Orleans are both strong markets for civil engineers. The average salary for a civil engineer in Louisiana reflects these regional strengths, especially in transportation and environmental projects.
- Civil engineer salary entry level: $75,000/year
- Mid-level engineers (4–6 years): $80,242/year
- Senior civil engineer salary, Louisiana: $99,128/year
- Engineers with BIM or flood infrastructure skills: Up to $102,050/year
New Orleans typically pays more than Baton Rouge due to large-scale restoration, climate resilience projects, and ongoing urban construction. Civil engineering salary in New Orleans stands out nationally for its focus on levee systems and water resource engineering.
Top 5 Career Paths for Civil Engineers in Louisiana
- BIM Engineer
BIM Engineers are in demand for digital modeling in flood control, roads, and levee construction. They use software like Revit and Civil 3D to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams in Louisiana’s infrastructure programs. The average salary in civil engineering for BIM specialists tends to be above the state median range.
- Structural Engineer
These engineers evaluate the strength and safety of buildings, bridges, and other structures. In both New Orleans and Baton Rouge, demand is high in historic district restoration and commercial construction. Entry-level civil engineer salary in structural roles benefits from steady public-private infrastructure partnerships.
- Transportation Engineer
Transportation engineers work on roadway expansion, public transit, and highway improvements. Both cities are focusing on smoother traffic flow and sustainable mobility, driving up the demand.
- Environmental Engineer
From levee improvements to wetland restoration, environmental engineers are at the forefront of Louisiana’s climate response. The focus on green building and regulatory compliance also raises the bar for compensation. Civil engineer salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for environmental roles shows strong upward trends driven by sustainability-focused projects.
- Hydraulic or Flood Control Engineer
Given Louisiana’s susceptibility to hurricanes and water-related issues, engineers with expertise in hydraulic modeling and drainage systems are vital. These roles often fetch higher salaries due to technical complexity.
Civil Engineer Salaries Across Cities in Louisiana
Civil engineer salary in New Orleans, Louisiana, trends show higher pay where environmental risks are greater and technical skills are essential. Here's a comparison of average annual salaries across major cities:
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City |
Average Annual Salary |
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New Orleans, LA |
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Baton Rouge, LA |
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Lafayette, LA |
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Lake Charles, LA |
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Shreveport, LA |
The civil engineer salary that Louisiana professionals earn is highest in Lake Charles and Lafayette, due to the volume of public and private sector infrastructure investment.
6 Factors Affecting Civil Engineering Salaries in Louisiana
Here is a list of 6 important key factors that influence how much a civil engineer earns in Louisiana, especially in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, where infrastructure demands are unique and evolving. Let's take a closer look at what drives these salary variations.
- Experience and Seniority
Engineers with more than 10 years of experience in Louisiana can earn upwards of $118,900, while those just starting out typically earn around $80,242. Promotions and specialization boost income potential significantly. - Education and Licensing
Having a PE (Professional Engineer) license or a Master’s degree adds major value in Louisiana, particularly for roles in government agencies and complex project design. - Specialization and Skill Set
Specialists in areas like flood control, geotechnical engineering, or digital modeling (BIM) tend to receive better compensation. These niches align closely with Louisiana’s infrastructure goals. - Sector of Employment
Civil engineers working for large consulting firms or design-build companies usually earn more than those employed in the public sector. However, government roles may offer better job security and retirement benefits. - City-Based Variations
New Orleans offers a higher average salary due to larger infrastructure budgets and more expansive redevelopment projects. Baton Rouge follows closely, especially in transportation and water management sectors. - Project Complexity
Engineers working on large-scale projects, like hurricane protection systems, light rail design, or coastal resilience planning, often receive premium compensation reflecting the scale and risks involved.
The average civil engineer salary in Louisiana remains competitive in national comparisons, especially in complex coastal defence projects.
Average Salary in Civil Engineering: 5-Year Trends in Louisiana
Louisiana has seen stable growth in civil engineering salaries over the last five years. Here's how the numbers have evolved:
- 2019: Civil engineers earned an average of $93,890
- 2020: While specific data for 2020 isn’t fully detailed, the steady demand for infrastructure upgrades and disaster resilience in Louisiana suggests that civil engineering salaries remained stable or saw modest growth during that year, despite national economic slowdowns.
- 2021: Average pay dipped slightly to $90,420 amid pandemic-related budget delays.
- 2022: Salaries rebounded to $99,940 as federal relief funding boosted construction.
- 2023–2024: While exact figures for 2023–2024 are limited, trends from Indeed and USAWage indicate that civil engineer salaries in Louisiana continued to rise steadily, driven by resilient infrastructure investments and post-pandemic economic momentum.
This pattern reflects both resilience and consistent growth in the civil engineer salary Louisiana job market.
Boost Your Salary as a Civil Engineer by Mastering BIM
In today’s competitive AEC industry, standing out as a civil engineer requires more than just a degree. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is transforming how infrastructure projects are designed and executed. By mastering BIM, you not only stay relevant but also open doors to higher-paying roles and faster career growth.
The BIM Advantage:
- Civil engineers with BIM skills are very much in demand, earning over 40% more than the rest.
- Better use of BIM boosts efficiency, makes collaboration far simpler, and helps to achieve superior project results.
How Novatr Helps?
Novatr Offers BIM Professional Course for civil and structural engineers, Novatr’s comprehensive program helps you gain BIM expertise in just 7 months. This course helps you learn about information modeling, parametric structure families, preparing drawings and presenting your designs. It also covers 3D modeling, BIM principles for infrastructure and 4D/5D visualization.
The main focus of this program is on real skills, which involve using the cloud, streamlining BIM techniques, working together and locating clashes. It enables you to use Revit, as well as over 12 other leading building information modeling programs, while following practical methods. Upon the completion of the course, you will be eligible for recognition from Autodesk and Novatr, which can improve your job prospects.
Key USPs:
- Get Dual Certification from Autodesk and Novatr
- Learn Essential BIM Workflows
- 40+ hours of live learning with lifelong access to program content, including multiple RIBA & ISO 19650 Capstone projects.
- Mastering Revit and 10+ BIM software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Construction Cloud, Tekla & Civil 3D with industry workflows in just 7 months.
- 48% Average CTC Hike: Get placement assistance to land BIM jobs in globally operating AEC firms.
- ISO Verified Project Experience: Practice your skills by working on an international, standard-structured project
- Career Guidance and Placement Support: Prepare for success with guided interviews, portfolio building, and LinkedIn optimization.
- Dedicated Mentor Support: Stay on track throughout with quick query resolution and personalized feedback. Learn from global mentors who are a part of the top 1% AEC companies.
- Weekly live sessions for learning, revision, and practice.
- Professionally built in-house digital platform to elevate your learning experience.
Why Choose Novatr?
- Trusted by Thousands: Join 6,000+ BIM learners from over 45 countries who have successfully graduated from Novatr.
- Expert-Driven Curriculum: Designed through the analysis of 1,000+ job descriptions and rigorously vetted by 200+ global BIM experts.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, showcasing your verified expertise.
- Proven Career Impact: Learners report an average salary hike of 48% after course completion.
- Loved by BIM Learners: We have a 4.6+ average rating across platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Novatr stands out as the premier choice for civil engineers looking to master BIM. Enroll today to future-proof your career and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities in the AEC sector.
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