Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Loveland, CO: $64,712 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Loveland, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,712 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Loveland's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,630 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,882) 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 Loveland, Colorado, the anticipated starting civil engineer salary in 2026 is around $64,712. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $94,882 for all civil engineers in Loveland, new professionals can expect growth within just a few years as they gain experience and credentials. Entry-level employees may realistically achieve higher earnings through the first years of their careers, ideally reaching approximately $74,876 after becoming more skilled in their roles. Considering the projected growth rate of 2.63%, this market offers good potential for new grads keen to develop their careers. With a supportive local economy, Loveland is well-positioned for emerging civil engineers, making it an attractive environment for recent graduates.
About the Loveland Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Loveland
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 Loveland
Entry-level civil engineers in Loveland, CO typically start between $64,712 and $74,876 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,356 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,882 — 8.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Colorado of $68,000 represents just 105.08% of the starting civil engineer pay ($64,712/year) in Loveland. 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 Loveland
- 1Research the Loveland market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $64,712 to $74,876, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Loveland, 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 Loveland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Loveland's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Loveland is $82,356 ( 127.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,712, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,068.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,171
2025 BLS Actual
$63,054
2026 Current Est.
$64,712
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Loveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,892 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,948 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,054 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,712 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,414 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Loveland, CO grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,171 in 2019 to $63,054 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,414. New graduates entering the Loveland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Loveland 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 Loveland
Several employers in Loveland are looking for recent graduates to join their ranks in civil engineering. Major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP actively recruit entry-level engineers, offering structured training pipelines to help develop critical skills needed for industry success. Additionally, government agencies such as the state Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide valuable career tracks complete with benefits like pensions. Construction firms such as Bechtel and Fluor tend to hire engineering interns for field projects, letting EITs gain hands-on experience quickly. To boost their entry-level pay in Colorado, graduates should ensure their education comes from an ABET-accredited program and take the FE exam to secure their EIT designation. Those who strategically pursue their PE license will unlock further advancement opportunities in future roles, such as project manager or senior IC, which are increasingly essential in a market buoyed by ongoing infrastructure investments following the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As new engineers navigate their first 1-3 years, realistic salary growth expectations align with the rates of neighboring markets, while fostering relationships with both larger firms and local businesses can open additional avenues for career advancement.
More salary data for Loveland, CO:
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 Loveland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Loveland 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