1

Pavement Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Pavement Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and Public-Private Partnerships. The ideal candidate may ... You will provide pavement engineering and consulting services for a variety of projects and clients.

Senior Pavement Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and Public-Private Partnerships. The ideal candidate may ... You will provide pavement engineering and consulting services for a variety of projects and clients.

As a Roadway Design Engineer , you will provide design and production support in the development of ... Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Georgia Professional Engineer (PE) license * 6-10 years of transportation roadway design experience

Pavement Engineering Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Pavement Engineer to lead and deliver innovative pavement design, evaluation, and asset management solutions for various industry sectors. The ideal ...

Pavement Engineering Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Pavement Engineer to lead and deliver innovative pavement design, evaluation, and asset management solutions for various industry sectors. The ideal ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

Preparing of project documentation including Typical Section Packages, Pavement Design Package ... Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Pavement Design Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do pavement design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for pavement design engineer in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pavement Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPavement Design EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialization in pavement or transportation engineering, professional engineering license (PE)Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferred, broader engineering background
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, field testing sites, transportation agenciesConstruction sites, design offices, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageFocused on pavement materials, design, and durabilityWide range including transportation, structural, environmental projects
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Pavement Design Engineers specialize in designing and analyzing pavement structures, focusing on materials and durability, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Pavement Design Engineers often have specific certifications and work primarily in transportation-related environments, whereas Civil Engineers may work across multiple sectors.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Pavement Design Engineers, a specialized civil engineering role, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with higher earnings possible through senior positions, consulting work, or in high-cost regions. Achieving a $500,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in large projects or firms.

What are some common challenges Pavement Design Engineers face when working on large infrastructure projects?

Pavement Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, adapting designs to site-specific geotechnical conditions, and ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards. Large projects may require balancing budget constraints with performance requirements and navigating strict timelines. Effective communication with contractors, transportation agencies, and environmental specialists is essential to address unforeseen field issues and deliver durable, cost-effective pavement solutions.

What does a pavement engineer do?

A pavement design engineer develops and evaluates pavement structures to ensure durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness for roads and highways. They analyze soil conditions, select appropriate materials, and use design software to create pavement layouts, often working with civil engineering standards and conducting field inspections. Their work helps extend pavement lifespan and improve transportation infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pavement Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pavement Design Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, pavement materials, and structural analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and relevant licensure (such as EIT or PE). Proficiency with design software like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and pavement analysis tools, along with knowledge of AASHTO standards, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you deliver accurate designs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure durable, cost-effective pavement solutions that meet safety and regulatory requirements.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior pavement design engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in civil engineering can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in senior or managerial roles within large infrastructure projects. High compensation often correlates with leadership positions, complex project management, and geographic location with high cost of living or demand for expertise.

What is a Pavement Design Engineer?

A Pavement Design Engineer is a civil engineering professional who specializes in designing and analyzing pavement structures for roads, highways, airports, and other transportation infrastructure. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, determining layer thicknesses, and ensuring the pavement can withstand traffic loads and environmental conditions. They use engineering principles, software tools, and standards to create safe, durable, and cost-effective pavement systems. Pavement Design Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, contractors, and government agencies throughout the design and construction process.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most pavement design engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, highly experienced engineers in senior roles or consulting positions can reach or exceed $200,000. Earning $500,000 typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, or working in high-paying industries or consulting firms.
More about Pavement Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Pavement Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Pavement Design Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Pavement Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pavement Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pavement Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Transportation Engineer IV (PE) - Assistant State Pavement Design Engineer (61032926)

Transportation Engineer IV (PE) - Assistant State Pavement Design Engineer (61032926)

State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC • On-site

$92K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


State Of South Carolina rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Responsibilities At the Office of Materials and Research (OMR), supervises subordinate engineer(s) in the coordination and execution of pavement design investigations and document preparation for Bid-Build and Design- Build projects statewide. Independently conducts pavement design and related functions for Bid-Build and Design Build projects statewide. Responsible for sealing plans which requires SC licensure as a Professional Engineer.

Supports the operations of the State Pavement Design Engineer and all subordinate units. Provides construction support for statewide paving projects and assists in teaching during SCDOT training courses. Provides presentations for various entities and interacts with industry personnel.

Assists with the development of specifications of high complexity related to rideability, paving materials and geotechnical materials. Assists State Pavement Design Engineer in consulting with department personnel regarding highly technical and complex matters pertaining to highway engineering activities. Conducts special investigations and forensic analysis related to pavement design activities.

Conducts in-house research related to pavement materials and design; seeks opportunities for implementation and provides a point of contact for construction support. Assists with the review of consultant pavement designs and in-house quality assurance prior to approval of final construction plans. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum and Additional Requirements A bachelor's degree in engineering and five (5) years of engineering work experience. Necessary Special Requirement: Registration as a Professional Engineer by the South Carolina State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.

The physical demand for the essential functions involves sitting or standing at a desk for extended periods of time. This position may require occasional travel. May require bending, stooping, reaching, twisting, climbing, balancing, and kneeling.

Walking for extended periods, treading rough terrain, working in close proximity to motoring traffic, and in natural environmental hazards. May be required to work outside normal business hours or respond to emergency situations. Additional Comments The South Carolina Department of Transportation is committed to a diverse workforce and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.


What State Of South Carolina employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


State of South Carolina logo

About State of South Carolina

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State of South Carolina is not a typical corporation, but the governing body of the US state of South Carolina, located in the capital city of Columbia. Its industry focuses on public administration, providing key essential services to ensure the efficient functioning of the state. These services range from public safety and environment protection to education, healthcare, and economic development. The state was founded in 1788, grounded in democratic principles meant to support the overall well-being of its citizenry. Its core values revolve around service, integrity, accountability, and transparency. The mission of the State of South Carolina is to improve the quality of life for all its people, with a focus on education advancement, economic growth, and improved healthcare.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, SC, US

Social media