Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Bedford, NH: $71,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Bedford, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,143 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,303 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,588) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the field of civil engineering in Bedford, New Hampshire, the entry-level salary landscape in 2026 presents both potential and realistic expectations. Starting positions typically command around $71,143 per year, positioning new engineers significantly below the city median salary of $104,588. However, there exists a clear upward trajectory as professionals gain experience; within the first several years, salaries can move towards $88,483 (P25) and eventually reach the median as they solidify their roles. Given this upward potential and the anticipated growth rate of 2.63%, Bedford appears to be a favorable market for new civil engineering graduates, particularly those eager to advance quickly in their careers.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bedford
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 Bedford
Entry-level civil engineers in Bedford, NH typically start between $71,143 and $88,483 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,968 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,588 — 1.06% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Hampshire of $72,000 represents just 101.20% of the starting civil engineer pay ($71,143/year) in Bedford. 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 Bedford
- 1Research the Bedford market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $71,143 to $88,483, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bedford, 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 Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bedford'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 Bedford is $90,968 ( 127.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,143, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,111.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,256
2025 BLS Actual
$69,320
2026 Current Est.
$71,143
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,256 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,049 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,006 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,794 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,014 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Bedford, NH grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,256 in 2019 to $69,320 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,014. New graduates entering the Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bedford 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 Bedford
In Bedford, several prominent employers actively seek new engineering talent, providing structured pathways for career development. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn are key players, often hiring Entry-Level Engineers in Training (EIT) and offering comprehensive Professional Engineer (PE) training programs. State departments of transportation and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provide stable job opportunities with government benefits, while construction firms like Bechtel and Fluor cater to the demand for field-engineering candidates. For new graduates, obtaining an ABET-accredited degree and passing the FE exam to earn EIT status are critical first steps. Achieving a PE license, often seen as a prerequisite for senior roles, can propel one's career significantly within 3 years, especially amidst increased infrastructure spending spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In this evolving market, realistic salary growth during the first few years can lead to competitive compensation as engineers establish themselves in Bedford's thriving civil engineering sector.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bedford 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