Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Franklin, IN: $64,657 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,657 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,749) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to establish their careers in civil engineering, the entry-level civil engineer salary in Franklin, Indiana, presents a promising start, with initial pay projections set at approximately $64,657 in 2026. This figure reflects a notable gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $94,749, indicating that new engineers can expect to work their way up through experience and skill acquisition over the first few years. Entry-level professionals can see their earnings increase to around $74,467 as they progress into roles with more responsibilities, and for those who show significant potential, the median salary is achievable within a reasonable timeframe due to a projected growth rate of 2.63%. Overall, Franklin currently offers a solid environment for new civil engineering graduates looking to jumpstart their careers.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level civil engineers in Franklin, IN typically start between $64,657 and $74,467 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,204 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,749 — 8.45% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 85.06% of the starting civil engineer pay ($64,657/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $64,657 to $74,467, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average 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 Franklin is $82,204 ( 127.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,657, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,861.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,127
2025 BLS Actual
$63,000
2026 Current Est.
$64,657
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,694 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,657 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,357 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,127 in 2019 to $63,000 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,357. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
In terms of employment opportunities for entry-level civil engineers, Franklin hosts a variety of potential employers. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn are key players in hiring new engineering graduates, providing structured paths for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure through dedicated training programs. Additionally, state and federal agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers introduce government career tracks that yield long-term benefits, including pensions. Construction companies, including Bechtel and Fluor, seek field engineers, while smaller firms offer more immediate project ownership opportunities, albeit with less formal training structures. Aiming to secure a degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam during college, and aiming for PE licensure can significantly enhance starting civil engineer pay in IN, which, along with increased infrastructure investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, creates a favorable job market for those in the profession. In the first three years, realistic expectations for salary growth might range between moderate increases as new engineers gain experience, build networks, and transition to higher-value projects that ultimately drive their earnings upward.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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