Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $66,482 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Hutchinson, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,482 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hutchinson's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,138 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,030) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Hutchinson, Kansas, the starting civil engineer salary is projected at around $66,482, a figure that represents the lower spectrum of entry-level pay. When compared to the city's median annual salary of $92,030, there is a noticeable gap that suggests the urgency for early-career professionals to seek experience and skills that can enhance their earning potential. As these engineers progress in their early careers, realistic growth trajectories suggest a path from the entry-level mark toward the first quartile salary of $75,336 and potentially nearing the median within three to five years. Given the city's moderate cost of living, Hutchinson currently presents a viable job market for recent graduates eager to establish themselves in the profession.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hutchinson
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 Hutchinson
Entry-level civil engineers in Hutchinson, KS typically start between $66,482 and $75,336 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,165 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,030 — 11.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 72.20% of the starting civil engineer pay ($66,482/year) in Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson
- 1Research the Hutchinson market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $66,482 to $75,336, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hutchinson, 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 Hutchinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hutchinson'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 Hutchinson is $76,165 ( 114.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,482, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,647.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,570
2025 BLS Actual
$64,778
2026 Current Est.
$66,482
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,943 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,013 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,335 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,482 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,230 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hutchinson, KS grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,570 in 2019 to $64,778 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,230. New graduates entering the Hutchinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
Firms in Hutchinson offering roles for entry-level civil engineers include both larger consulting companies like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP that provide structured programs aimed at developing young talent, and state or federal agencies such as the USACE, which typically foster career advancement through public sector benefits. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor also recruit new grads for field-engineering positions, but these roles often emphasize practical experience over formal training. Starting credentials play a significant role in influencing initial salary; securing a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program and passing the FE exam provides the foundation for obtaining an EIT designation. Over the first one to three years, growth expectations will hinge on professional development through pathways like acquiring a PE license, which is often essential for advancing into senior roles. The current infrastructure funding boost, spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, further solidifies demand for civil engineers, making it an opportune time for new professionals to launch their careers in Hutchinson.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
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 Hutchinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hutchinson 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