Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $74,387 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Hawthorne, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,387 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hawthorne's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,771 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,736) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting civil engineer salary in Hawthorne, CA, is projected to be quite competitive, with entry-level positions offering around $74,387. When new graduates consider this figure, they should be aware that it lies significantly below the city’s median salary of $116,736, leaving a considerable gap to bridge. However, the upward trajectory in this field is promising; within three to five years, entry-level engineers can expect to see their pay grow, moving through the $95,203 mark and potentially aligning more closely with the median. Overall, the market in Hawthorne currently provides viable opportunities for new graduates looking to start their careers in civil engineering, especially given the anticipated demand for infrastructure professionals.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hawthorne
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 Hawthorne
Entry-level civil engineers in Hawthorne, CA typically start between $74,387 and $95,203 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,555 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,736 — 12.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 123.68% of the starting civil engineer pay ($74,387/year) in Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne
- 1Research the Hawthorne market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $74,387 to $95,203, 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 Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hawthorne'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 Hawthorne is $106,555 ( 143.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,387, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,942.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,822
2025 BLS Actual
$72,481
2026 Current Est.
$74,387
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,822 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,313 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,834 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,945 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,481 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,387 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,344 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hawthorne, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,822 in 2019 to $72,481 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,344. New graduates entering the Hawthorne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Employers in Hawthorne that actively recruit new civil engineering graduates include established firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which typically have structured training programs designed for early-career engineers. In addition to these large consulting firms, state and federal agencies like the California Department of Transportation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer career paths within government sectors that can lead to stable long-term employment. For those considering construction, companies like Bechtel and Fluor are known to hire entry-level engineers for field positions, providing hands-on experience. To boost their starting pay, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials like the EIT designation through the FE exam, while also considering further education leading to a PE license. The recent funding boost from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has sparked growth in this field, intensifying competition among employers, which is essential for new engineers to keep in mind as they plan their careers. Prospective engineers can expect realistic salary growth as they gain experience, and those who secure their PE licenses can unlock higher-paying project manager roles in the future.
More salary data for Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hawthorne 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