Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $45,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,404 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,812 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,320) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting salaries for new civil engineering graduates in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, are set to begin at approximately $45,404 in 2026. This initial figure suggests a significant gap compared to the city's median annual salary of $91,320, which some new professionals may find daunting. However, as entry-level engineers gain experience, there is an evident upward trajectory in pay, allowing for potential growth to around $67,767 within a few years, before reaching the median salary. Given Hattiesburg's cost of living index of 87.633, which is below the national average, the environment may actually be conducive for new graduates to secure employment and establish a career without overwhelming financial strain, making it a promising job market for aspiring civil engineers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level civil engineers in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $45,404 and $67,767 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $108,325 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,320 — 11.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Mississippi of $42,000 represents just 92.50% of the starting civil engineer pay ($45,404/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $45,404 to $67,767, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average 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 Hattiesburg is $108,325 ( 238.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,404, experienced hygienists can earn up to $153,729.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,670
2025 BLS Actual
$44,240
2026 Current Est.
$45,404
2019–2027 Growth
+136.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,598 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 124.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,670 in 2019 to $44,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,598. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, numerous employers actively seek out newly minted civil engineers. Major consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are leading the way by implementing structured training programs for Engineers in Training (EITs), while government agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provide viable career paths through public sector jobs with excellent benefits. Construction companies, including Bechtel and Fluor, also look for entry-level engineers who are keen to work in field engineering roles. To enhance earning potential, candidates should focus on obtaining a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam during their senior year for EIT designation, and eventually pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license. As public infrastructure investment continues to rise due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, employment prospects will improve, and those who strategically position themselves—primarily through credentialing and experience—can expect strong salary advancements in their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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