As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Civil Engineer in the United States is $74,201 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Level Civil Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI Onboarding
An Entry Level 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 Level 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 Level Civil Engineer | 0-2 years | $74,147 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,289 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,824 |
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | 7+ years | $123,936 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer V | 7-10 years | $148,041 |
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 Level 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
|
$80,137 |
8%
|
|
CPR
|
$80,137 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$78,653 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$76,427 |
3%
|
|
Installation
|
$76,427 |
3%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$76,427 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Entry Level 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 Level Civil Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $73,373 and $77,680).
Entry Level 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 Level 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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Level 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 Level 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 Level 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
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Entry Level Civil Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The lowest paid entry-level civil engineer earns a minimum salary of $71,501. The median salary for this role is $78,901, while the highest earners can make up to $87,401. This data reflects the current salary trends for entry-level positions in civil engineering.
The highest paying branch of civil engineering often includes roles like Structural Engineer and Construction Manager. Entry-level salaries in this field range from $71,501 to $87,401, with a mid-salary of $78,901. Specializing in areas such as Geotechnical or Water Resource Engineering can also lead to higher earnings.
Entry-level civil engineers typically earn between $71,501 and $87,401 annually, with a mid-salary of around $78,901. This range reflects the starting salaries across various states, indicating a competitive compensation for recent graduates in the field.
A good entry-level salary for a Civil Engineer typically ranges from $71,501 to $87,401 annually, with a mid-salary of $78,901. This is significantly higher than many other entry-level positions, indicating a strong earning potential in the field.
When considering the best states for civil engineering, cities like Austin, Texas, and Ann Arbor, Michigan stand out. Entry-level civil engineers can expect salaries ranging from $71,501 to $87,401, with a median around $78,901. Other notable cities include Los Angeles, Boston, and Seattle, offering vibrant job markets and competitive salaries.
While civil engineers can earn high salaries, entry-level positions typically offer lower compensation. For an entry-level civil engineer, the salary ranges from approximately $71,501 to $87,401, with a mid-salary of around $78,901. Achieving a $100K salary usually requires experience and specialization in the field.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
