As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Civil Engineer in the United States is $74,141 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Civil Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Civil Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Civil Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Civil Engineer | 0-2 years | $74,151 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,285 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,823 |
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,944 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,037 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Entry Civil Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.8% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.69% |
| CPR | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Analysis
|
$80,072 |
8%
|
|
CPR
|
$80,072 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$78,589 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$76,365 |
3%
|
|
Installation
|
$76,365 |
3%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$76,365 |
3%
|
Entry Civil Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $82,926. While startup companies pay approximate $70,131.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $70,131 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $74,174 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $80,081 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $82,926 |
For Entry Civil Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Entry Civil Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Civil Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $96,383 | $46.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $92,676 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $88,969 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $88,969 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $85,262 | $41.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Civil Engineers enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Entry Civil Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $73,334 and $77,611).
Entry Civil Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 71.6% |
| Masters | 23.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.6% |
Understanding how an Entry Civil Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Civil Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | $90,290 | 22% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $87,300 | 18% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $87,300 | 18% |
Salaries for an Entry Civil Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $74,708 in 2023 to around $73,331 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Civil Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $74,708 |
| 2024 | $73,779 |
| 2025 | $73,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Civil Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Civil Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
While various engineering fields offer high salaries, Entry Civil Engineers earn between $71,395 and $87,316, with a median salary of $78,836. In comparison, Petroleum Engineers lead the pack with a median annual salary of $137,322, followed by Aerospace Engineers at $118,602 and Nuclear Engineers at $116,147.
Landing your first job as a civil engineer can be challenging, but if you excelled in college and completed an internship, you should find opportunities. Entry-level civil engineers can expect salaries ranging from $71,395 to $87,316, with a median salary of $78,836, making it a rewarding career choice.
Civil engineers can expect competitive salaries. For entry-level positions, the salary ranges from a minimum of $71,395 to a maximum of $87,316, with a median salary of $78,836. While the overall median wage for civil engineers was $95,890 in May 2023, entry-level salaries reflect the starting point in this rewarding field.
As of January 2025, the salary for an Entry Civil Engineer in the United States ranges from a minimum of $71,395 to a maximum of $87,316, with a median salary of $78,836. This reflects a competitive compensation structure for entry-level positions in the engineering field.
A good GPA for civil engineering is typically at least 3.0/4.0 (B-Average) based on the last 60 hours attempted. This academic performance can help secure entry-level positions, where salaries range from approximately $71,395 to $87,316, with a median salary around $78,836. Strong academic credentials can enhance job prospects in this competitive field.
While entry-level civil engineers typically earn between $71,395 and $87,316, achieving a salary of $100,000 is more common with experience and in high-paying states. Top-paying states like California and New York offer salaries significantly above this range, making it possible for seasoned professionals to reach or exceed the $100,000 mark.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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