Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Richfield, MN: $72,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,716 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,823 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,041) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective civil engineers in Richfield, Minnesota, can expect starting salaries of approximately $72,716 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $100,041, it reflects the typical earnings for new graduates entering the field. As young professionals gain experience, salaries may rise steadily; entry-level positions at the P25 percentile see earnings around $82,225, and it is feasible for individuals to move closer to the median within their first few years. Given the city's robust infrastructure initiatives and increasing investments in civil projects, Richfield currently represents a strong market for new graduates seeking entry-level civil engineering positions.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level civil engineers in Richfield, MN typically start between $72,716 and $82,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,347 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,041 — 3.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Minnesota of $62,000 represents just 85.26% of the starting civil engineer pay ($72,716/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $72,716 to $82,225, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $82,347 ( 113.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,716, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,501
2025 BLS Actual
$70,853
2026 Current Est.
$72,716
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,641 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,139 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,629 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,501 in 2019 to $70,853 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,629. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
In Richfield, a variety of employers hire new graduates, including large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, which often provide well-structured training programs and pathways to Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Government roles with entities like the state Department of Transportation or federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also offer stable career prospects, complete with pensions. Additionally, construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor seek entry-level engineers for field roles, while smaller firms may provide opportunities for quicker project leadership but with less comprehensive training. With an ABET-accredited degree and the FE exam completed during college, candidates can enhance their marketability. Given the momentum from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, new graduates should anticipate steady salary growth in their first few years as they build credentials necessary for advancement, such as completing the PE exam to unlock higher-tier roles.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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