Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Waukegan, IL: $65,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Waukegan, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,732 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukegan's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,695 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,767) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Offering a solid entry point, the projected starting civil engineer salary in Waukegan, Illinois, is $65,732 for 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $99,767, it is important for new graduates to recognize that there is a viable growth trajectory in this field. Early-career professionals can expect to see their earnings increase as they gain experience and move beyond the initial salary. Within the first three to five years, the potential earnings can rise to approximately $76,996, and even approach the median salary with dedication and skill. The job market in Waukegan presents opportunities for new grads, especially given the region's ongoing infrastructure projects fueled by legislative investment, making it a promising place for a budding civil engineering career.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukegan
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 Waukegan
Entry-level civil engineers in Waukegan, IL typically start between $65,732 and $76,996 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,907 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,767 — 3.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Illinois of $78,000 represents just 118.66% of the starting civil engineer pay ($65,732/year) in Waukegan. 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 Waukegan
- 1Research the Waukegan market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $65,732 to $76,996, 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 Waukegan, 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 Waukegan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukegan'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 Waukegan is $88,907 ( 135.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,732, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,978
2025 BLS Actual
$64,048
2026 Current Est.
$65,732
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,336 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,881 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,461 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Waukegan, IL grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,978 in 2019 to $64,048 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,461. New graduates entering the Waukegan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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 Waukegan
In Waukegan, several employers are actively seeking fresh talent in the civil engineering sector. Top consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are prominent players that often recruit entry-level engineers, offering structured training and mentorship programs that can significantly enhance career trajectories. Additionally, government agencies such as the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provide pathways into stable, pension-based careers. Construction firms like Bechtel and Fluor might hire new graduates for field engineering roles, enabling hands-on project experience. For those aiming to boost their starting pay, obtaining a Bachelor's in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program and passing the FE exam for EIT designation is crucial. With ongoing infrastructure demand, new professionals can realistically anticipate salary increases as they work towards obtaining their PE license in this vibrant Illinois market.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Waukegan in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Waukegan?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Waukegan?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Waukegan?
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 Waukegan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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