Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Windsor, CO: $65,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,742 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,611 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,004) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the civil engineering field in Windsor, Colorado, the projected starting civil engineer salary is approximately $65,742 in 2026. This initial figure may seem modest when compared to the city's median annual salary of $96,004, revealing a significant gap. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for early-career engineers; within just a few years, salaries typically advance towards the 25th percentile mark of $75,922 and continue to approach the median as experience accumulates. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.63%, Windsor currently represents a promising market for fresh graduates equipped with the educational foundation and credentials to thrive.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level civil engineers in Windsor, CO typically start between $65,742 and $75,922 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,064 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,004 — 7.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Colorado of $68,000 represents just 103.43% of the starting civil engineer pay ($65,742/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $65,742 to $75,922, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $83,064 ( 126.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,742, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,806.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,985
2025 BLS Actual
$64,057
2026 Current Est.
$65,742
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,717 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,298 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,345 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,471 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,985 in 2019 to $64,057 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,471. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In terms of employment opportunities for new civil engineers, major employers in Windsor include leading consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, which actively seek out entry-level talent for their structured training programs. State and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also provide stable opportunities with government career paths. While construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor offer positions in field engineering, often with quicker project ownership responsibilities, they may lack the extensive training frameworks found in larger firms. To boost starting pay in Colorado, graduates should complete an ABET-accredited civil engineering program and consider obtaining their FE exam, leading to the EIT designation. Moving forward, a focus on passing the PE exam will be crucial for career advancement, with infrastructure investments fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law further driving demand for engineers in the market. As new graduates in Windsor progress through their first few years, realistic salary growth expectations align with the industry’s dynamic environment, emphasizing the value of credentials and experience.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is civil engineering school worth it in Windsor?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Windsor?
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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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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