Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Medford, MA: $73,583 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Medford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,583 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,818 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,721) 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 Medford, Massachusetts, can anticipate a starting civil engineer salary of approximately $73,583, significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $102,721. This gap emphasizes the need for entry-level engineers to recognize the long-term earning potential in their careers; those starting in this role can progressively move up toward the 25th percentile, which projects to about $83,783 within the first few years. This gradual increase reflects a positive growth trajectory as professionals gain experience and potentially pursue additional credentials. Given Medford's current market conditions and consistent demand for infrastructure expertise driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, it remains a viable location for recent graduates to launch their careers.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level civil engineers in Medford, MA typically start between $73,583 and $83,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,635 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,721 — 0.74% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $105,000 represents just 142.70% of the starting civil engineer pay ($73,583/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $73,583 to $83,783, 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 Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $85,635 ( 116.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,583, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,218.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,186
2025 BLS Actual
$71,697
2026 Current Est.
$73,583
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,697 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,583 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,518 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, MA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,186 in 2019 to $71,697 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,518. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
For new graduates seeking employment, several types of organizations in Medford are eager to recruit entry-level civil engineers. Major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are known for their structured training programs, making them prime candidates for those looking to acquire important experience in project management and engineering practices. State and federal agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also provide pathways into stable government positions. Employers often favor candidates with ABET-accredited degrees and those who have passed the FE exam, which grants them the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation. Furthermore, a proactive approach toward obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license significantly enhances job prospects and starting pay in the long run. Realistically, engineers looking to grow their salaries in the first few years in this environment can expect to see salaries gradually rise as they gain valuable experience, work on substantial projects, and contribute to local infrastructure development.
More salary data for Medford, 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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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