Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $61,591 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,591 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,757 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,001) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates pursuing an entry-level civil engineering career in Leavenworth, Kansas, can expect a starting salary around $61,591. This figure typically forms the baseline for newly minted engineers, and while it’s an entry point, it remains noticeably below the city’s median annual salary of $92,001. New professionals in this field can anticipate gradual salary growth as they gain experience, with potential earnings rising to $71,716 by reaching the 25th percentile and eventually approaching the median as their careers advance. Given the current job market dynamics, including a growth rate of 2.63% annually, Leavenworth presents a favorable environment for new graduates, particularly with the ongoing demand driven by infrastructure initiatives.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
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 Leavenworth
Entry-level civil engineers in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $61,591 and $71,716 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,010 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,001 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 77.93% of the starting civil engineer pay ($61,591/year) in Leavenworth. 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 Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $61,591 to $71,716, 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 Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth is $81,010 ( 131.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,591, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,601.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,703
2025 BLS Actual
$60,013
2026 Current Est.
$61,591
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Leavenworth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,703 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,389 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,681 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,178 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,013 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,591 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,211 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,703 in 2019 to $60,013 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,211. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Several organizations in Leavenworth actively seek to fill entry-level civil engineering positions, notably large consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, which provide structured training paths for Engineer-in-Training (EIT) candidates. Additionally, state and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer government positions with opportunities for job security and pension benefits, while construction companies like Bechtel prioritize field engineering roles that can provide rapid project exposure. For recent graduates, holding a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program and passing the FE exam are vital steps that can enhance starting pay. Furthermore, obtaining the PE license can unlock higher salary potential and career advancement within 1-3 years, especially as infrastructure spending from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to encourage robust hiring in the sector.
More salary data for Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth 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