Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Dracut, MA: $71,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,258 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,573) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Dracut, Massachusetts, starting pay is projected at $71,890 in 2026, which provides a realistic baseline as they transition from academia to professional practice. This entry-level salary reflects a notable gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,573. Over the first few years of their careers, entry-level engineers can anticipate a pathway for growth, with prospects to reach roughly $81,170 after gaining some experience and continuing upward towards the median as they establish themselves in the field. For those considering a career in civil engineering, Dracut presents a favorable market, as the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow alongside infrastructure investments, creating ample opportunities for recent graduates to secure meaningful roles that will advance their careers.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
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 Dracut
Entry-level civil engineers in Dracut, MA typically start between $71,890 and $81,170 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,448 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,573 — 3.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 146.06% of the starting civil engineer pay ($71,890/year) in Dracut. 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 Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $71,890 to $81,170, 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 Dracut, 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 Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut'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 Dracut is $82,448 ( 114.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,847
2025 BLS Actual
$70,048
2026 Current Est.
$71,890
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,648 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,154 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,781 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,847 in 2019 to $70,048 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,781. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
Prospective employers in Dracut looking to hire new civil engineering graduates include major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which often have well-defined pipelines for training new engineers. Additionally, state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provide robust government career paths, including pension benefits. For new graduates aiming to enhance their salary potential, obtaining credentials such as the EIT designation via the FE exam during their final year can significantly improve starting pay. As the field is heavily influenced by the infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the demand for civil engineers remains strong. Entry-level engineers should focus on gaining experience while navigating pathways toward licensure, understanding that achieving a PE license will be key to accessing more senior positions and further defining their career trajectory in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Dracut in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Dracut?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Dracut?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Dracut?
How do I become a civil engineer in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut 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