Engineering San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Civil Engineer Salary in San Diego, California

The median civil engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $127,715 per year, which is 42.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$127,715
vs State Avg
+$3,598
vs National
+$37,775
Cost of Living
142%

Civil Engineer Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $88,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,040
+$26,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$127,800
+$37,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,600
+$54,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $85,768
25th Percentile $103,944
Median (50th) $127,715
75th Percentile $161,880
90th Percentile $196,812

Civil Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Civil Engineer in San Diego

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. San Diego 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 San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.