Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Cambridge, MA: $69,050 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Cambridge, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,050 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cambridge's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,641 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,863) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect a starting salary around $69,050, which represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions. This starting figure is notably less than the city’s median annual salary of $107,863, highlighting the upward trajectory potential as new engineers gain experience. Over the first three to five years, individuals can realistically anticipate their earnings to climb from the initial salary toward the 25th percentile at approximately $81,953 and possibly beyond, depending on performance and career momentum. Given the robust demand for civil engineers fueled by recent infrastructure spending initiatives, Cambridge remains an advantageous market for fresh graduates eager to build their careers here.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cambridge
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 Cambridge
Entry-level civil engineers in Cambridge, MA typically start between $69,050 and $81,953 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $98,137 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,863 — 4.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 152.06% of the starting civil engineer pay ($69,050/year) in Cambridge. 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 Cambridge
- 1Research the Cambridge market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $69,050 to $81,953, 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 Cambridge, 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 Cambridge for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cambridge'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 Cambridge is $98,137 ( 142.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,050, experienced hygienists can earn up to $167,187.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,602
2025 BLS Actual
$67,281
2026 Current Est.
$69,050
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,371 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,182 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,281 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,050 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,867 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Cambridge, MA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,602 in 2019 to $67,281 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,867. New graduates entering the Cambridge job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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 Cambridge
Major employers in Cambridge actively recruit entry-level civil engineers, including prominent consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which provide structured training programs leading to professional licensure. State Department of Transportation positions and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer paths within government sectors, which come with job security and pension benefits. Candidates can enhance their earning potential through ongoing education, specifically by completing an ABET-accredited bachelor's program, passing the FE exam to earn EIT status, and pursuing a PE license after gaining requisite experience. In this dynamic hiring environment, those who strategically position themselves within consulting or government sectors can expect serious salary growth in their first few years, aligning with the increasing demand from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that drives need for skilled professionals in civil engineering across the board.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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 Cambridge. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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