Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Kettering, OH: $67,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Kettering, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,009 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kettering's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,880 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,458) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Kettering, Ohio, the starting civil engineer salary reflects both the city's economic conditions and the level of competition for entry-level positions. In 2026, fresh graduates can expect salaries beginning around $67,009, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $96,458. However, new engineers can anticipate a positive growth trajectory in their pay, moving toward $77,332 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median within three to five years. Kettering is currently a solid market for early-career civil engineers, particularly as infrastructure spending continues to grow, providing ample opportunities for those eager to start their careers in this field.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kettering
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 Kettering
Entry-level civil engineers in Kettering, OH typically start between $67,009 and $77,332 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,500 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,458 — 6.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Ohio of $58,000 represents just 86.56% of the starting civil engineer pay ($67,009/year) in Kettering. 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 Kettering
- 1Research the Kettering market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $67,009 to $77,332, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kettering, 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 Kettering for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kettering'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 Kettering is $82,500 ( 123.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,009, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,509.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,988
2025 BLS Actual
$65,292
2026 Current Est.
$67,009
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,988 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,734 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,934 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,409 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,292 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,772 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Kettering, OH grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,988 in 2019 to $65,292 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,772. New graduates entering the Kettering job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kettering 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 Kettering
Employers in Kettering that typically hire recent graduates include large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which often have structured training programs designed to mentor new engineers through the early stages of their careers. Similarly, state DOTs and federal agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers offer robust government career tracks, often including pensions and other benefits. Smaller companies may present faster project ownership and greater responsibility sooner, However, they might lack the structured training. To boost their starting pay in Ohio, candidates should focus on obtaining their Engineering in Training (EIT) designation by passing the FE exam, ideally before graduation. This approach, along with pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license, can open doors to higher salaries and career advancement in Kettering, where the projected growth rate in engineering jobs stands at 2.63% annually. As civil engineering demand continues to rise due to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, new grads can expect salary growth in their first years as they gain experience and credentials.
More salary data for Kettering, OH:
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 Kettering. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kettering 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