Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Moline, IL: $66,520 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,520 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,507 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,085) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates aiming to launch their careers in civil engineering, Moline presents a promising job market with a starting civil engineer salary projected at $66,520 in 2026. This figure, while below the city median annual salary of $97,085, establishes a solid foundation for new professionals entering the field. Over the first few years, early-career engineers can expect to see salary growth as they gain experience and move toward the P25 bracket at $76,805. Given the 2.63% annual growth rate forecasted, Moline not only offers competitive starting pay but also positions new grads favorably within a growing sector supported by ongoing infrastructure spending. The environment created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enhances job prospects, making Moline a viable option for aspiring civil engineers looking to establish themselves in Illinois.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
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 Moline
Entry-level civil engineers in Moline, IL typically start between $66,520 and $76,805 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,344 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,085 — 6.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Illinois of $78,000 represents just 117.26% of the starting civil engineer pay ($66,520/year) in Moline. 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 Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $66,520 to $76,805, 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 Moline, 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 Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline'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 Moline is $82,344 ( 123.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,520, experienced hygienists can earn up to $148,864.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,600
2025 BLS Actual
$64,815
2026 Current Est.
$66,520
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,976 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,047 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,815 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,520 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,269 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,600 in 2019 to $64,815 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,269. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 Moline
As new graduates pursue opportunities in civil engineering, several employers in Moline are well-positioned to hire entry-level talent. Large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP actively recruit new graduates, facilitating their transition into the workforce through structured training programs for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Additionally, government agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide stable career tracks, complete with pensions, while construction companies such as Bechtel and Fluor look for field engineers to join their teams. The competitive landscape also means smaller firms may offer opportunities for quicker project ownership but with varying training support. Graduates should consider securing credentials like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam early in their careers, as this can elevate their entry-level pay and career trajectory. In a market driven by infrastructure demands, establishing a professional network and focusing on obtaining a PE license will be crucial in achieving higher roles within just a few years.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
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 Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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