Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Livermore, CA: $79,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Livermore, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,117 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Livermore's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,418) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Livermore, California, the starting civil engineer salary in 2026 is estimated to be around $79,117. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $116,418, indicating a substantial gap that new professionals should be prepared to address. In the early years of their careers, entry-level engineers can expect a growth trajectory that will take them from the P10 figure through to the P25 benchmark of $92,015 within the first three to five years. Livermore currently represents a favorable market for fresh graduates, bolstered by a steady demand for civil engineering professionals driven by ongoing infrastructure investments and projects.
About the Livermore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Livermore
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 Livermore
Entry-level civil engineers in Livermore, CA typically start between $79,117 and $92,015 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,331 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,418 — 12.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 116.28% of the starting civil engineer pay ($79,117/year) in Livermore. 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 Livermore
- 1Research the Livermore market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $79,117 to $92,015, 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 Livermore, 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 Livermore for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Livermore'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 Livermore is $101,331 ( 128.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,117, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,448.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,562
2025 BLS Actual
$77,090
2026 Current Est.
$79,117
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,562 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,443 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,610 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,090 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,198 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Livermore, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,562 in 2019 to $77,090 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,198. New graduates entering the Livermore job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livermore 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 Livermore
New graduates in civil engineering will find various potential employers in Livermore, such as major consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, which are recognized for their robust training pipelines for entry-level engineers. Government entities, including state DOTs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also hire newer engineers looking for stable career paths with benefits such as pensions. On the construction side, firms like Bechtel and Fluor actively recruit entry-level engineers for field roles, providing valuable on-the-job experience. Pursuing credentials like the FE exam during their senior year can enable graduates to gain the EIT designation, which is essential for advancing in the field. Given that the infrastructure spending spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to fuel job demand, new graduates can realistically anticipate annual salary increases averaging around 2.63% throughout their first few years in the profession. Establishing a solid foundation through continued education and a commitment to obtaining a PE license will further enhance their career prospects in this evolving market.
More salary data for Livermore, 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 Livermore. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Livermore 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