Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $67,549 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Dartmouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,549 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dartmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,257 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,259) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the civil engineering workforce in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, presents new graduates with a starting civil engineer salary of approximately $67,549 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $101,259, it sets the stage for upward progression in the early years of one’s career. Over the next three to five years, entry-level engineers can expect to move from the lower percentiles toward the 25th percentile salary of $78,439, driven by skills development and experience as they adapt to workplace expectations. Given the region's steady demand for civil engineering expertise, particularly due to infrastructure initiatives fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Dartmouth represents a promising market for new grads eager to build a solid foundation in their profession.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth
Entry-level civil engineers in Dartmouth, MA typically start between $67,549 and $78,439 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,402 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,259 — 2.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 155.44% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,549/year) in Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
- 1Research the Dartmouth market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,549 to $78,439, 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 Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dartmouth'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 Dartmouth is $89,402 ( 132.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,549, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,951.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,414
2025 BLS Actual
$65,818
2026 Current Est.
$67,549
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Dartmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,414 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,167 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,401 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,874 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,976 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,549 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,326 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Dartmouth, MA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,414 in 2019 to $65,818 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,326. New graduates entering the Dartmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
For those looking to launch their civil engineering careers in Dartmouth, various employers cater specifically to recent graduates. Major consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs actively recruit entry-level engineers, offering structured pathways towards Professional Engineer (PE) licensure through mentorship and training programs. Alternatively, state and federal agencies such as USACE provide stable jobs with attractive benefits, while construction firms like Bechtel and Fluor often hire graduates for field positions that expose them to the practical aspects of engineering. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, candidates should prioritize obtaining their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) designation by the end of their academic programs and aim for their PE license after accumulating four years of relevant experience. With the current emphasis on infrastructure spending significantly boosting job creation, early-career professionals can realistically anticipate salary growth that aligns with the industry’s upward trajectory over the first few years.
More salary data for Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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