Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Concord, CA: $78,911 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Concord, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,911 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Concord's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,771 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,129) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of civil engineering in Concord, California, the starting civil engineer salary is projected to be around $78,911 in 2026. While this figure reflects the lower end of the pay spectrum, it’s essential to consider the potential for growth as entry-level engineers gain experience and move toward higher salary tiers. Within the first few years, those starting at this level can expect to see their earnings rise to approximately $93,068 at the 25th percentile, and eventually working towards the median annual salary of $121,129. The market in Concord appears favorable for recent graduates, particularly due to the ongoing demand driven by infrastructure investments, suggesting that new professionals will have ample opportunities to increase their earnings.
About the Concord Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Concord
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Concord
Entry-level civil engineers in Concord, CA typically start between $78,911 and $93,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,839 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,129 — 17.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 116.59% of the starting civil engineer pay ($78,911/year) in Concord. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate civil engineering programs at public and private universities. Licensure (FE after graduation, PE after 4 years experience) adds exam fees. Many engineers pursue master's degrees (MS or MEng).
CE, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Concord
- 1Research the Concord market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $78,911 to $93,068, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the civil engineering field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Concord, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Concord for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Concord's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Concord is $108,839 ( 137.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,911, experienced hygienists can earn up to $187,750.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,399
2025 BLS Actual
$76,889
2026 Current Est.
$78,911
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Concord (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,399 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,278 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,224 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,776 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,911 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,987 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Concord, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,399 in 2019 to $76,889 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,987. New graduates entering the Concord job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Concord metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your civil engineering Career in Concord
Employers in Concord actively seek new civil engineering graduates from reputable, ABET-accredited programs. Notable companies like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP often hire engineers in training (EITs) for structured positions that lead to licensure as Professional Engineers (PEs). Additionally, local state departments of transportation and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide pathways to stable careers complete with benefits. Construction firms like Bechtel and Fluor also look for entry-level engineers focused on field engineering opportunities. To enhance starting pay, candidates should aim to complete the FE exam during their senior year to achieve EIT status, followed by obtaining their PE license later. As infrastructure spending continues due to initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the industry forecasts a steady growth rate of 2.63% annually, creating a dynamic environment for early-career professionals striving for upward mobility in their roles.
More salary data for Concord, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new civil engineering graduates. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Concord. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Concord is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov