Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $67,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Oak Lawn, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,091 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Lawn's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,095 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,077) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting civil engineer salary in Oak Lawn projected at $67,091 in 2026, new graduates should approach their first job with a clear understanding of the salary landscape. This figure reflects a notable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $97,077, indicating that entry-level positions offer a foundation for growth but may not match the earning potential of more experienced professionals. Over the first few years, growth is expected as new engineers progress through the salary brackets; reaching approximately $75,442 at the 25th percentile suggests that dedication, skill enhancement, and strategic career moves can lead to better compensation. Given the current market dynamics in Oak Lawn, coupled with the ongoing demand driven by infrastructure spending, new grads have a favorable platform to launch their careers.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Lawn
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 Oak Lawn
Entry-level civil engineers in Oak Lawn, IL typically start between $67,091 and $75,442 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,378 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,077 — 6.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Illinois of $78,000 represents just 116.26% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,091/year) in Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn
- 1Research the Oak Lawn market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,091 to $75,442, 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 Oak Lawn, 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 Oak Lawn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oak Lawn'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 Oak Lawn is $83,378 ( 124.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,091, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,469.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,052
2025 BLS Actual
$65,372
2026 Current Est.
$67,091
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,052 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,475 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,563 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,856 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Lawn, IL grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,052 in 2019 to $65,372 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,856. New graduates entering the Oak Lawn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
In terms of employment opportunities, various employers in Oak Lawn actively seek fresh talent. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP typically hire entry-level engineers and provide structured training pipelines that facilitate the journey to becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). Government agencies like the state Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also have established tracks for new grads, often incorporating robust benefits and career stability. Additionally, construction firms such as Bechtel and Fluor value entry-level talent for field engineering roles. To boost starting pay in Illinois, candidates should focus on securing their Engineer in Training (EIT) designation by passing the FE exam before graduation, followed by pursuing the PE license and exploring additional certifications like LEED AP. In this burgeoning job market influenced by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, new civil engineers can realistically expect salary increases as they establish their professional credentials, aiming for advancement from entry-level roles toward senior positions that command higher wages.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, 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 Oak Lawn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Lawn 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