Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Fargo, ND: $62,502 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Fargo, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,502 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fargo's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,781 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,042) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the civil engineering field in Fargo, ND, can anticipate a starting salary around $62,502, which represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level positions. Though this figure may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $98,042, it sets the groundwork for potential growth as engineers gain experience and develop their skills. Within the first three to five years, the salary trajectory can see entry-level engineers moving up to approximately $77,527 at the P25 level, offering a path toward earning more competitive wages over time. Fargo's current market conditions, particularly due to infrastructure funding initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, indicate a strong demand for civil engineers, making it a promising location for new graduates to begin their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fargo
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 Fargo
Entry-level civil engineers in Fargo, ND typically start between $62,502 and $77,527 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,837 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,042 — 5.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 76.80% of the starting civil engineer pay ($62,502/year) in Fargo. 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 Fargo
- 1Research the Fargo market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $62,502 to $77,527, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fargo, 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 Fargo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fargo'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 Fargo is $90,837 ( 145.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,502, experienced hygienists can earn up to $153,339.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,470
2025 BLS Actual
$60,900
2026 Current Est.
$62,502
2019–2027 Growth
+20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,502 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,145 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Fargo, ND grew 13.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,470 in 2019 to $60,900 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,145. New graduates entering the Fargo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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 Fargo
Several companies in Fargo hire entry-level civil engineers, providing a solid foundation for new professionals. Large consulting firms, including AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, actively recruit graduates and offer structured training programs for aspiring professionals seeking their Professional Engineer (PE) license. Meanwhile, state departments of transportation and federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers present stable career paths with benefits that cater to long-term growth. For those looking to stand out in the job market, obtaining an ABET-accredited civil engineering degree and passing the FE exam during college can enhance starting pay and employment chances. As civil engineers strategically progress through licensure and pursue credentials such as LEED AP, they can see salary increases in the first few years, aligning with the ongoing demand within the industry.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Fargo?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Fargo?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Fargo?
How do I become a civil engineer in North Dakota?
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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 Fargo. 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