As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Civil Engineer in Hickory, NC is $68,601 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Entry Level Civil Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, skills, 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 | $68,526 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer II | 2-4 years | $83,433 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer III | 4-7 years | $97,792 |
| Civil/Construction/Structural Engineer IV | 7+ years | $114,543 |
| Civil Infrastructure Engineer V | 7-10 years | $136,803 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.8% |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.69% |
| CPR | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Analysis
|
$74,089 |
8%
|
|
CPR
|
$74,089 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$72,717 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$70,659 |
3%
|
|
Installation
|
$70,659 |
3%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$70,659 |
3%
|
Entry Level Civil Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $76,795. While startup companies pay approximate $64,967.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $64,967 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,710 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,159 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $76,795 |
For Entry Level 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 Level Civil Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level 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 | $89,181 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $85,751 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $82,321 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,321 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $78,891 | $38.0 | 15% |
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 August 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 | $83,440 | 22% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Structural Engineering | $80,700 | 18% |
| Engineer, Experienced - Transportation | $80,700 | 18% |
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.
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