Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Topeka, KS: $68,311 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Topeka, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,311 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Topeka's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,909 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,205) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Topeka, KS, can expect starting salaries around $68,311, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $96,205. For those just beginning their careers, this entry-level pay reflects a typical remuneration for that initial position, and it sets the foundation for future earnings growth. Over the first few years, the earnings trajectory can exhibit healthy growth, with new engineers potentially earning increases as they gain experience and expertise. The pathway from entry-level to more competitive salaries, such as the $77,691 mark (P25), shows promise in an environment bolstered by ongoing infrastructure spending. Topeka's job market currently presents a favorable situation for new graduates seeking opportunities in civil engineering, fostering potential for sustained career growth.
Career Earnings Timeline in Topeka
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 Topeka
Entry-level civil engineers in Topeka, KS typically start between $68,311 and $77,691 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,757 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,205 — 7.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Kansas of $48,000 represents just 70.27% of the starting civil engineer pay ($68,311/year) in Topeka. 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 Topeka
- 1Research the Topeka market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $68,311 to $77,691, 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 Topeka, 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 Topeka for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Topeka'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 Topeka is $69,757 ( 102.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,311, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,068.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,090
2025 BLS Actual
$66,560
2026 Current Est.
$68,311
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Topeka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,400 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,311 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,107 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Topeka, KS grew 23.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,090 in 2019 to $66,560 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,107. New graduates entering the Topeka job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Topeka 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 Topeka
Leading employers in Topeka looking to hire recent graduates in civil engineering include large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which typically offer structured training programs for new Engineers in Training (EITs). These companies provide a robust environment for gaining hands-on experience in a competitive market that aligns with the increased infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Additionally, state departments of transportation and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer stable government career tracks complemented by pension benefits. Smaller firms could provide a faster path to project ownership, albeit with less formal training. Graduates holding an ABET-accredited degree and who take the FE exam during their senior year can earn valuable EIT designations, enhancing their employability and starting civil engineer salary in Topeka. Career progression in these first few years typically leads to realistic salary growth opportunities as EITs work towards the Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is essential for advancing to senior roles and project management positions. This trajectory, coupled with strong local relationships fostered by mid-tier and smaller firms, suggests a promising future for new grad civil engineers in Kansas.
More salary data for Topeka, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Topeka in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Topeka?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Topeka?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Topeka?
How do I become a civil engineer in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Topeka. 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