Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Arlington, MA: $70,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Arlington, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,233 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Arlington's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,731 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,404) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the civil engineering field in Arlington, Massachusetts can expect an entry-level salary around $70,233 in 2026. While this figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $102,404, it does provide a pathway for growth over time. New civil engineers can anticipate advancing to salaries around $80,743 within their first few years as they gain experience and take on additional responsibilities. Given Arlington's robust economy and the recent emphasis on infrastructure due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the local market promises ample opportunities for fresh graduates seeking to establish their careers. It is a favorable environment where the increase in infrastructure projects contributes to a steady demand for entry-level positions.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Arlington
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 Arlington
Entry-level civil engineers in Arlington, MA typically start between $70,233 and $80,743 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $86,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,404 — 1.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 149.50% of the starting civil engineer pay ($70,233/year) in Arlington. 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 Arlington
- 1Research the Arlington market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $70,233 to $80,743, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Arlington, 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 Arlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Arlington's moderate 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 Arlington is $86,359 ( 122.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,233, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,592.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,537
2025 BLS Actual
$68,433
2026 Current Est.
$70,233
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,537 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,399 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,574 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,433 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,080 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Arlington, MA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,537 in 2019 to $68,433 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,080. New graduates entering the Arlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington 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 Arlington
When considering employment opportunities in Arlington, several prominent employers stand out for hiring new graduates. Major consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn often recruit newly minted engineers, providing structured training programs designed to aid in the transition from academia to professional practice. Government bodies such as state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer stable career tracks, including retirement benefits, appealing to many graduates. Credentialing can also significantly affect starting pay in MA; possessing a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and seeking a Professional Engineer (PE) license can all serve to enhance earning potential. Given the trends in the industry and opportunities for upward mobility, new civil engineers can realistically expect steady increases in their salaries over the first few years, especially as they gain experience and seek licensure.
More salary data for Arlington, MA:
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 Arlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Arlington 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