Engineering California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in California

The median civil engineer salary in California is $124,117 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$124,117
vs National
+$34,177
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Civil Engineer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $85,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,400 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$85,560
+$23,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,200
+$34,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $83,352
25th Percentile $101,016
Median (50th) $124,117
75th Percentile $157,320
90th Percentile $191,268

Major Cities for Civil Engineers in California

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Los Angeles, CA
Metro area for civil engineer employment
San Francisco, CA
Metro area for civil engineer employment
San Diego, CA
Metro area for civil engineer employment
San Jose, CA
Metro area for civil engineer employment
Sacramento, CA
Metro area for civil engineer employment

How to Become a Civil Engineer in California

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.