Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Burnsville, MN: $73,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Burnsville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burnsville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,260 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,424) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burnsville, Minnesota, new graduates entering the civil engineering field can expect an entry-level salary around $73,146. This starting pay falls noticeably behind the city's median annual salary for civil engineers, which stands at $102,424. It reflects the typical starting phase of a civil engineering career, where individuals gain essential experience and skills over the first few years. As new professionals transition from entry-level positions to more experienced roles, salaries can rise significantly, moving towards the 25th percentile figure of $83,295 and, with time and additional qualifications, reaching or surpassing the median. With infrastructure investments driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law boosting job opportunities, Burnsville presents a favorable environment for new graduates looking to launch their careers in civil engineering.
About the Burnsville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burnsville
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 Burnsville
Entry-level civil engineers in Burnsville, MN typically start between $73,146 and $83,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,610 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,424 — 1.03% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Minnesota of $62,000 represents just 84.76% of the starting civil engineer pay ($73,146/year) in Burnsville. 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 Burnsville
- 1Research the Burnsville market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $73,146 to $83,295, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burnsville, 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 Burnsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burnsville'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 Burnsville is $85,610 ( 117.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,756.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,841
2025 BLS Actual
$71,272
2026 Current Est.
$73,146
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Burnsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,536 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,070 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Burnsville, MN grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,841 in 2019 to $71,272 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,070. New graduates entering the Burnsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burnsville 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 Burnsville
When considering potential employers in Burnsville, several large consulting firms, such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, actively recruit fresh graduates. These companies typically provide established Engineering in Training (EIT) training programs alongside structured professional development pathways, offering robust mentorship experiences that can enhance initial salaries. Additionally, local government agencies like the state Department of Transportation and federal entities such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also serve as viable options, presenting government career tracks complete with benefits. To increase starting pay in Minnesota, obtaining a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and achieving the EIT designation during senior year is advantageous. As infrastructure demand remains steady, backed by government funding, entry-level professionals can expect realistic salary growth during their first few years, especially as they aim for their Professional Engineer (PE) license—a critical credential that can lead to senior roles within the industry.
More salary data for Burnsville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Burnsville in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Burnsville?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Burnsville?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Burnsville?
How do I become a civil engineer in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Burnsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burnsville 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