Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Lakewood, CA: $80,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Lakewood, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,080 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakewood's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,805 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,146) 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 Lakewood, California, the starting civil engineer salary presents a compelling opportunity. Fresh entrants can expect to earn around $80,080 at the P10 level, which lays a foundation for growth as they accumulate experience. This figure falls short of the 2026 median annual salary of $115,146, reflecting a significant gap that aspiring professionals can aim to close in their early careers. Over the first three to five years, entry-level engineers have the potential to progress through the P25 level of $89,507 and on toward the median, aided by the city’s favorable market conditions fueled by ongoing infrastructure projects and demand for engineering services.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakewood
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 Lakewood
Entry-level civil engineers in Lakewood, CA typically start between $80,080 and $89,507 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,396 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,146 — 11.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 114.89% of the starting civil engineer pay ($80,080/year) in Lakewood. 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 Lakewood
- 1Research the Lakewood market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $80,080 to $89,507, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Lakewood'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 Lakewood is $98,396 ( 122.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,080, experienced hygienists can earn up to $178,476.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,323
2025 BLS Actual
$78,028
2026 Current Est.
$80,080
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,323 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,215 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,784 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,186 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lakewood, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,323 in 2019 to $78,028 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,186. New graduates entering the Lakewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, several employers actively seek entry-level civil engineers, creating a robust job market for new grads. Large consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs are among the top recruiters, offering structured training programs that prepare graduates for professional licensure and further career advancement. Government positions with agencies like the state Department of Transportation or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provide attractive pay scales and significant job stability. For recent graduates, obtaining credentials such as the Engineer in Training (EIT) designation by passing the FE exam can enhance starting pay and opening opportunities in different sectors. Furthermore, the current infrastructure spending spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law indicates a continued demand for civil engineers, suggesting realistic salary growth prospects in Lakewood could align with industry trends. As new civil engineers navigate their first few years in this field, strategic movement toward obtaining a Professional Engineer license will prove vital for securing senior roles and advancing to leadership positions.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakewood 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