Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Leominster, MA: $69,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Leominster, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,677 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leominster's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,218 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,670) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, recent graduates entering the civil engineering field in Leominster, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a starting civil engineer salary of approximately $69,677, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $98,670. This entry-level salary highlights a gap that can be bridged over time, with early-career professionals projecting to see increases as they gain experience and technical skills, moving towards the first quartile pay of $77,164 and potentially reaching the median salary within their first three to five years. Considering the anticipated growth trajectory of 2.63% annually in the industry, Leominster offers a competitive market environment for new graduates ready to launch their careers in civil engineering.
About the Leominster Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leominster
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 Leominster
Entry-level civil engineers in Leominster, MA typically start between $69,677 and $77,164 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,261 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,670 — 4.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 150.70% of the starting civil engineer pay ($69,677/year) in Leominster. 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 Leominster
- 1Research the Leominster market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $69,677 to $77,164, 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 Leominster, 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 Leominster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leominster'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 Leominster is $83,261 ( 119.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,677, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,938.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,230
2025 BLS Actual
$67,891
2026 Current Est.
$69,677
2019–2027 Growth
+18.7%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Leominster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,891 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,509 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Leominster, MA grew 12.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,230 in 2019 to $67,891 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,509. New graduates entering the Leominster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leominster 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 Leominster
Employers in Leominster looking to hire new engineering talent primarily include large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, known for their structured training programs aimed at newly licensed Engineers in Training (EITs). State and federal agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, present solid pathways into government careers with the potential for pension benefits. Additionally, construction companies such as Bechtel offer field-engineering roles for new graduates, while smaller local firms allow for quicker project ownership and a more hands-on experience. To maximize starting pay as new grad civil engineers in MA, obtaining credentials such as an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree and passing the FE exam is essential. In the first few years, focus on gaining project experience and working towards a Professional Engineer license, as demand for credentialed professionals is elevated due to increased infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Overall, new graduates should manage their expectations regarding salary growth during their initial years while actively pursuing development opportunities in the vibrant Leominster job market.
More salary data for Leominster, 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 Leominster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leominster 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