Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Meridian, MS: $59,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Meridian, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,207 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Meridian's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,086 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,081) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Meridian, MS, the entry-level civil engineer salary is projected to start at around $59,207 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly below the median annual salary of $84,081 for civil engineers in the area, reflecting a noticeable gap that early-career professionals can seek to close over time. As graduates gain experience, they can realistically expect salary growth, moving from $59,207 to $67,501 at the 25th percentile and, with diligence and additional training, potentially landing at the median salary within three to five years. Considering the demand for infrastructure professionals spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Meridian presents a viable market for new grads eager to carve out a career in civil engineering and begin their journey in the industry.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Meridian
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 Meridian
Entry-level civil engineers in Meridian, MS typically start between $59,207 and $67,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,075 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,081 — 18.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Mississippi of $42,000 represents just 70.94% of the starting civil engineer pay ($59,207/year) in Meridian. 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 Meridian
- 1Research the Meridian market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $59,207 to $67,501, 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 Meridian, 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 Meridian for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Meridian'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 Meridian is $71,075 ( 120.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,207, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,282.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,818
2025 BLS Actual
$57,690
2026 Current Est.
$59,207
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,478 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,189 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,603 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,446 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,764 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Meridian, MS grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,818 in 2019 to $57,690 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,764. New graduates entering the Meridian job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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 Meridian
In Meridian, several firms and organizations are known for actively recruiting new engineering graduates. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP tend to have structured programs aimed at developing early-career engineers through mentorship and training geared towards passing the PE exam. Additionally, state departments of transportation and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer robust career paths, including government employment benefits. For those seeking opportunities in construction, companies like Bechtel and Fluor engage newly minted engineers in field roles that provide hands-on experience. To elevate starting salaries, having credentials such as an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree and achieving EIT status by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam can significantly enhance one's marketability. In the first few years, technical acumen combined with a clear path towards obtaining the PE license can lead to realistic salary growth, especially as the infrastructure sector continues to expand its workforce to meet increasing project demands.
More salary data for Meridian, 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 Meridian. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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