Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Montebello, CA: $75,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Montebello, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Montebello's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,420 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,065) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Montebello, California, can anticipate a starting salary around $75,121. This figure represents a significant entry point when compared to the overall median salary of $117,065 for civil engineers in the city. For new grads, the trajectory from this entry-level paycheck can evolve upwards as they gain experience, with expectations of moving towards the $95,865 mark within their first few years. Given Montebello's strong demand for civil engineering talent, driven in part by infrastructure investments, this city presents a favorable market for fresh graduates looking to launch their careers.
About the Montebello Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Montebello
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 Montebello
Entry-level civil engineers in Montebello, CA typically start between $75,121 and $95,865 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,330 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,065 — 13.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 122.47% of the starting civil engineer pay ($75,121/year) in Montebello. 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 Montebello
- 1Research the Montebello market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $75,121 to $95,865, 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 Montebello, 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 Montebello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Montebello'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 Montebello is $106,330 ( 141.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,451.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,402
2025 BLS Actual
$73,196
2026 Current Est.
$75,121
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Montebello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,473 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,811 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,816 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,196 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,097 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Montebello, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,402 in 2019 to $73,196 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,097. New graduates entering the Montebello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montebello 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 Montebello
When evaluating potential employers in Montebello, numerous large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP actively seek new graduates to fill roles in their structured training programs. State and federal government entities, including agencies like USACE, provide stability through long-term career paths enhanced by benefits like pensions. Additionally, construction giants like Bechtel and Fluor recruit entry-level engineers for field-related positions, offering hands-on experience early in their careers. Pursuing credentials such as the EIT designation through the FE exam can enhance starting civil engineer pay in CA, setting the stage for upward mobility towards obtaining a PE license. With an industry bolstered by ongoing infrastructure projects, early-career professionals can expect steady salary growth within their first few years, underscoring Montebello as an advantageous market for new civil engineering graduates.
More salary data for Montebello, 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 Montebello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Montebello 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