Civil engineer salaries for the lowest 10% are less than $45,780. Civil engineer salaries for the highest 10% are more than $110,890. Civil engineer salary in the private sector is an average of 8% higher than in government/public institutions.Civil engineer starting salary for BS degrees averages $49,540.New MS graduates have an average starting salary of $59,880; and new PhDs have an average starting salary of $65,470.The number of employers seeking advanced civil engineering degrees has accelerated in the past 5 years, and is projected to exceed 50% through 2015.ew MS graduates have an average starting salary of $59,880; and new PhDs have an average starting salary of $65,470. The number of employers seeking advanced civil engineering degrees has accelerated in the past 5 years, and is projected to exceed 50% through 2015.