Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Lake in the Hills, IL: $65,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Lake in the Hills, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,552 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake in the Hills's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,510 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,435) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake in the Hills, Illinois, the starting civil engineer salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $65,552. This figure reflects the initial compensation many young professionals can expect, creating a noticeable gap from the overall city median salary of $97,435. Entry-level civil engineers are likely to see progressive earnings as they gain experience, with the potential to move from the 10th percentile towards the 25th percentile range of $75,962 within just a few years. Given the planned infrastructure projects driven by federal initiatives, Lake in the Hills currently presents a favorable market for recent civil engineering graduates seeking growth and opportunity.
About the Lake in the Hills Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake in the Hills
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 Lake in the Hills
Entry-level civil engineers in Lake in the Hills, IL typically start between $65,552 and $75,962 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,472 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,435 — 5.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Illinois of $78,000 represents just 118.99% of the starting civil engineer pay ($65,552/year) in Lake in the Hills. 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 Lake in the Hills
- 1Research the Lake in the Hills market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $65,552 to $75,962, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lake in the Hills, 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 Lake in the Hills for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake in the Hills'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 Lake in the Hills is $85,472 ( 130.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,552, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,024.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,835
2025 BLS Actual
$63,872
2026 Current Est.
$65,552
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lake in the Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,565 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,674 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,173 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,690 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,276 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lake in the Hills, IL grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,835 in 2019 to $63,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,276. New graduates entering the Lake in the Hills job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills
For those starting their careers, several key employers in the region actively seek new talent. Large consulting firms such as AECOM and Jacobs tend to prefer candidates with an ABET-accredited engineering degree, as these organizations typically have structured pathways for training and professional development, including the opportunity to complete the PE exam. State and federal government agencies, like the US Army Corps of Engineers, offer stable career tracks, including benefits such as pensions. In contrast, small engineering firms may offer more hands-on experiences, quickly allowing new engineers to take the lead on projects, albeit with less formal training. As new grads pursue continuing education, obtaining the FE license prior to graduation can significantly boost starting pay and career advancement prospects, while active infrastructure investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enhances demand for civil engineers in the area. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations will depend on gaining experience, pursuing licensure, and establishing a professional network in the discipline.
More salary data for Lake in the Hills, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Lake in the Hills in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Lake in the Hills?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Lake in the Hills?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Lake in the Hills?
How do I become a civil engineer in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Lake in the Hills. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake in the Hills 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