Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Hialeah, FL: $67,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Hialeah, FL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,156 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hialeah's local price level (BEA RPP 100.8 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,623 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,164) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates eyeing a career in civil engineering, Hialeah, Florida, offers a starting salary that typically lands at around $67,156 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, as entry-level positions might see recent graduates moving towards earnings that align more closely with the city’s median annual salary of $105,164. Over the first three to five years, many young professionals can expect their earnings to grow as they gain experience, with possible salaries progressing through the range of $80,418 to the median. With anticipated growth driven by increased infrastructure spending, Hialeah is currently an attractive market for aspiring civil engineers, making it a favorable place for recent graduates to kick-start their careers.
About the Hialeah Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hialeah
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 Hialeah
Entry-level civil engineers in Hialeah, FL typically start between $67,156 and $80,418 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,848 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,164 — 1.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Florida of $48,000 represents just 71.48% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,156/year) in Hialeah. 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 Hialeah
- 1Research the Hialeah market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,156 to $80,418, 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 FL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hialeah, 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 Hialeah for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hialeah'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 Hialeah is $95,848 ( 142.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,156, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,004.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,104
2025 BLS Actual
$65,435
2026 Current Est.
$67,156
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hialeah (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,104 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,852 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,061 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,621 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,922 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hialeah, FL grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,104 in 2019 to $65,435 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,922. New graduates entering the Hialeah job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hialeah 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 Hialeah
Employers in Hialeah who actively recruit new engineers include major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, each known for structured training programs that help engineers obtain Professional Engineer (PE) licenses. State departments of transportation and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also provide steady career paths with government benefits. While larger construction firms like Bechtel and Fluor often look for field-engineering entry-level talent, smaller firms can provide opportunities for faster project involvement, albeit with less formal mentorship. Candidates can increase their starting pay potential by graduating from ABET-accredited programs and passing the FE exam to achieve EIT designation. Over the first few years, a blend of on-the-job experience, networking, and pursuing necessary credentials can lead to salary growth as professionals strive to ultimately attain the PE license, positioning themselves for more senior roles and responsibilities in a thriving job market.
More salary data for Hialeah, FL:
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 Hialeah. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hialeah 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