Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Maplewood, MN: $73,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,206 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,321 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,114) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maplewood, Minnesota, new graduates stepping into civil engineering can anticipate a starting salary of around $73,206 in 2026. This amount falls below the city's median annual salary of $100,114, signaling a noticeable gap that new engineers may need to bridge in their early careers. However, there is a defined growth trajectory as entry-level engineers typically see their income rise over the first three to five years, climbing toward the 25th percentile of $82,372 before approaching the city median. Given the current trends and the positive impact of increased infrastructure spending spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Maplewood presents a solid job market for new civil engineers who are ready to start their careers.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level civil engineers in Maplewood, MN typically start between $73,206 and $82,372 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,970 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,114 — 3.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Minnesota of $62,000 represents just 84.69% of the starting civil engineer pay ($73,206/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $73,206 to $82,372, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood'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 Maplewood is $81,970 ( 111.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,206, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,176.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,888
2025 BLS Actual
$71,330
2026 Current Est.
$73,206
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,888 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,703 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,292 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,083 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,330 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,131 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,888 in 2019 to $71,330 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,131. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
Several employers in Maplewood actively recruit new graduates in civil engineering, particularly large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which offer structured training programs designed to develop engineers into licensed professionals. State DOTs and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers present stable government career paths, often with attractive pension benefits. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor search for entry-level engineers for field positions, while smaller firms may offer new engineers quicker project ownership but with less formal training. To maximize starting pay, candidates should focus on completing a Bachelor's in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam to earn EIT designation, and eventually obtaining a PE license. With strategic career planning, engineers can expect gradual salary growth as they gain experience and certifications, positioning themselves for higher-level roles in a competitive job landscape driven by ongoing infrastructure investments.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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