Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Roseville, CA: $92,953 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Roseville, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,953 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseville's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,187 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($133,023) 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 Roseville, California, can expect a starting civil engineer salary of approximately $92,953, which reflects the lower tier of the salary range for this profession. This entry-level pay is notably below the median annual salary of $133,023, highlighting the gap that early-career engineers need to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, entry-level engineers have the potential for growth, moving from the $92,953 starting point to around $107,075, and eventually approaching the median as they acquire skills and expertise. Given current trends and demand for infrastructure improvements fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Roseville presents a promising market for new civil engineering graduates seeking career opportunities.
About the Roseville Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseville
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 Roseville
Entry-level civil engineers in Roseville, CA typically start between $92,953 and $107,075 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,233 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $133,023 — 28.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in California of $92,000 represents just 98.97% of the starting civil engineer pay ($92,953/year) in Roseville. 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 Roseville
- 1Research the Roseville market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $92,953 to $107,075, 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 Roseville, 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 Roseville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Roseville'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 Roseville is $113,233 ( 121.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,953, experienced hygienists can earn up to $206,186.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$73,503
2025 BLS Actual
$90,571
2026 Current Est.
$92,953
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Roseville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,503 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,538 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,365 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,015 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,908 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,302 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,953 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,398 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Roseville, CA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $73,503 in 2019 to $90,571 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,398. New graduates entering the Roseville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseville 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 Roseville
Several employers in Roseville actively recruit fresh talent in civil engineering, creating ample opportunities for recent graduates. Major consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP often have structured programs that provide mentorship and professional development, alongside state and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which offer stable government career pathways. Construction companies, including Bechtel and Fluor, take on entry-level engineers for field positions where immediate responsibility can come quicker, although small firms may provide faster project ownership opportunities but less formal training. Entry-level professionals can enhance their pay prospects through ABET-accredited education, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to gain EIT designation, and gradually obtaining their Professional Engineer (PE) license. Considering the ongoing infrastructure spending and demand within California, entry-level engineers may realistically see salary growth that reflects industry trends and their growing credentials over the initial few years of their careers.
More salary data for Roseville, 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 Roseville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseville 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