Engineering Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median civil engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $131,312 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$131,312
vs State Avg
+$7,195
vs National
+$41,372
Cost of Living
146%

Civil Engineer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median civil engineer salary of $131,312, which is $7,195 above the California state average of $124,117. Compared to the national median of $89,940, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $131,312 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in Los Angeles spans from $88,184 at the 10th percentile to $202,356 at the 90th percentile — a $114,172 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $90,520, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $189,800. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $90,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $189,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$90,520
+$28,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,400
+$41,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$189,800
+$59,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $88,184
25th Percentile $106,872
Median (50th) $131,312
75th Percentile $166,440
90th Percentile $202,356

Civil Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$163,691
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$151,099
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$127,715
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$106,129
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Los Angeles

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open civil engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Los Angeles, California is $131,312 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $88,184 (10th percentile) to $202,356 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,312, a civil engineer in Los Angeles earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median civil engineer salary of $131,312 is 5.8% above the California state average of $124,117. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $131,312 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.