Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $58,458 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Coeur d'Alene, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,458 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coeur d'Alene's local price level (BEA RPP 98.3 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,473 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,035) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates venturing into civil engineering in Coeur d'Alene, ID, the starting pay can vary significantly. Entry-level positions typically command around $58,458 annually, presenting an initial gap compared to the city's median salary of $102,035. This discrepancy highlights the potential for growth in the profession; as new engineers gain experience, they can anticipate reaching pay levels closer to the 25th percentile, which stands at $83,295 after a few years. With a modest annual growth rate of 2.63%, Coeur d'Alene offers a favorable climate for young professionals looking to establish themselves. Overall, the local job market appears promising for new graduates, making it a sensible choice for those just starting their careers in civil engineering.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coeur d'Alene
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 Coeur d'Alene
Entry-level civil engineers in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically start between $58,458 and $83,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,035 — 1.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Idaho of $45,000 represents just 76.98% of the starting civil engineer pay ($58,458/year) in Coeur d'Alene. 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 Coeur d'Alene
- 1Research the Coeur d'Alene market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $58,458 to $83,295, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coeur d'Alene, 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 Coeur d'Alene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coeur d'Alene'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 Coeur d'Alene is $113,673 ( 194.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,458, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,120
2025 BLS Actual
$56,960
2026 Current Est.
$58,458
2019–2027 Growth
+17.4%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Coeur d'Alene (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,458 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,995 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene, ID grew 11.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,120 in 2019 to $56,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,995. New graduates entering the Coeur d'Alene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene 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 Coeur d'Alene
Employers in Coeur d'Alene actively seek out new talent in civil engineering, with numerous organizations focusing on entry-level positions. Large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are known for their structured Professional Engineer (PE) training programs, providing both mentorship and career advancement opportunities for recent graduates. Additionally, state departments of transportation and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer government career paths that come with stability and benefits. While larger companies focus on extensive training, smaller firms may provide quicker hands-on experience, allowing new engineers to take ownership of projects early in their careers. To enhance their prospects for a better starting salary in Idaho, candidates should prioritize obtaining a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and striving for the PE license. Given the current increases in infrastructure spending due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this is a strategic moment for new graduates as the demand for civil engineers remains high, creating lucrative opportunities for early-career professionals.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
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 Coeur d'Alene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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