Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Lawrence, KS: $71,667 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,667 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,416 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,777) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level civil engineer salary in Lawrence, KS, is projected to start around $71,667, which is notably below the city’s median of $99,777. For recent graduates, this initial figure might seem a bit daunting, but there is potential for growth as they gain experience and skills. Within the first few years, salaries can rise towards $80,688 at the 25th percentile, eventually reaching the median as new grads develop their competencies and establish themselves in the workforce. This trajectory suggests Lawrence is a promising market for emerging professionals, especially given the city's ongoing needs for infrastructure development fueled by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which increases demand across the civil engineering sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level civil engineers in Lawrence, KS typically start between $71,667 and $80,688 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,673 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,777 — 3.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 66.98% of the starting civil engineer pay ($71,667/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $71,667 to $80,688, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $58,673 ( 81.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,667, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,340.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,130
2025 BLS Actual
$69,830
2026 Current Est.
$71,667
2019–2027 Growth
+59.4%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,667 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,551 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 51.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,130 in 2019 to $69,830 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,551. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Significant employers in Lawrence hiring entry-level engineers include major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which are known for providing structured engineering training and pathways for professional development. Additionally, state departments of transportation and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offer career tracks that combine stability with competitive benefits. Small and mid-sized firms also recruit, albeit with less formal training, allowing new hires to take on responsibilities more quickly. To strengthen their starting pay and career prospects, newcomers should consider obtaining their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification during their senior year and pursuing licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) after accumulating the requisite experience. The demand for civil engineers remains high, driven by increased infrastructure spending, contributing to realistic salary growth expectations over the first few years in this field.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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