Civil Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA: $151,099 (2026)

Civil Engineer Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median civil engineer salary of $151,099, which is $26,982 above the California state average of $124,117. Compared to the national median of $89,940, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $151,099 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $89,940. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for civil engineers in San Jose spans from $101,472 at the 10th percentile to $232,848 at the 90th percentile — a $131,376 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $104,160, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,400. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Civil Engineer Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $104,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$104,160

+$42,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$151,200

+$61,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$218,400

+$88,400 vs national

Percentile	San Jose	CA State	National
10th Percentile	$101,472	$83,352	$60,400
25th Percentile	$122,976	$101,016	$73,200
Median (50th)	$151,099	$124,117	$89,940
75th Percentile	$191,520	$157,320	$114,000
90th Percentile	$232,848	$191,268	$138,600

Percentile

San Jose

10th Percentile

$101,472

25th Percentile

$122,976

Median (50th)

$151,099

75th Percentile

$191,520

90th Percentile

$232,848

How to Become a Civil Engineer in San Jose

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in San Jose

How much does a Civil Engineer make in San Jose, CA? ▼

The median civil engineer salary in San Jose, California is $151,099 per year, which is 68.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $101,472 (10th percentile) to $232,848 (90th percentile).

How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in San Jose? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $151,099, a civil engineer in San Jose earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does San Jose compare to the California state average for civil engineer pay? ▼

San Jose's median civil engineer salary of $151,099 is 21.7% above the California state average of $124,117. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼

San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a civil engineer salary of $151,099 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in San Jose? ▼

Most civil engineer positions in San Jose 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.

Civil Engineer Salary in San Jose, California