Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Woodburn, OR: $69,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Woodburn, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,774 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodburn's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,006 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,110) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking a foothold in the civil engineering sector, Woodburn, Oregon offers a promising entry point. New graduates entering the workforce in 2026 can realistically expect starting civil engineer pay around $69,774. While this figure is lower than the city median annual salary of $102,110, it’s important to view it within the broader context of career progression in the field. Entry-level engineers can anticipate growth through the first few years of their careers, moving from the initial pay range up to the 25th percentile of $80,322, ultimately aiming for the median as they gain experience and take on more responsibility. The current market in Woodburn shows potential for growth, making it an appealing consideration for aspiring civil engineers.
In Woodburn, several organizations are known for hiring new civil engineering graduates, each offering unique advantages. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP actively recruit entry-level talent, providing structured career development pathways with comprehensive professional engineering training. In addition, governmental bodies like the state Department of Transportation and federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers present opportunities with stable career tracks, often including pension plans. Construction companies, including Bechtel and Fluor, also seek entry-level engineers for field roles, while smaller firms may allow for more rapid project ownership at the expense of structured training. To improve earning potential, new engineers should prioritize obtaining their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) designation during their senior year, followed by pursuing the Professional Engineer (PE) license. Given the continued infrastructure spending driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, entry-level civil engineers in Woodburn can expect about 2.63% annual growth in their salaries within the first few years as they work toward achieving key licensure markers, creating a pathway to more senior roles in the field.
About the Woodburn Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodburn
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 Woodburn
Entry-level civil engineers in Woodburn, OR typically start between $69,774 and $80,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,496 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,110 — 1.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Oregon of $65,000 represents just 93.16% of the starting civil engineer pay ($69,774/year) in Woodburn. 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 Woodburn
- 1Research the Woodburn market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $69,774 to $80,322, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Woodburn, 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 Woodburn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodburn'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 Woodburn is $88,496 ( 126.83%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,774, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,270.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,174
2025 BLS Actual
$67,986
2026 Current Est.
$69,774
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Woodburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,174 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,325 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,813 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,609 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Woodburn, OR grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,174 in 2019 to $67,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,609. New graduates entering the Woodburn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodburn 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.
More salary data for Woodburn, OR:
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 Woodburn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodburn 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