Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in North Kingstown, RI: $72,127 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the North Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,127 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,768 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,755) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting civil engineer salary in North Kingstown, RI, presents a compelling opportunity for new graduates entering the workforce. With a projected entry-level pay of $72,127 at the 10th percentile, early-career professionals may find themselves at a considerable gap from the city’s median salary of $99,755. However, as they gain experience, the potential for salary growth is promising; within the first few years, they can realistically anticipate moving towards the 25th percentile at $81,475. For those starting their careers in this coastal community, the current market offers a solid foundation amidst ongoing infrastructure investments influenced by legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is creating a robust demand for engineering capabilities.
About the North Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Kingstown
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 North Kingstown
Entry-level civil engineers in North Kingstown, RI typically start between $72,127 and $81,475 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $82,493 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,755 — 3.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Rhode Island of $78,000 represents just 108.14% of the starting civil engineer pay ($72,127/year) in North Kingstown. 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 North Kingstown
- 1Research the North Kingstown market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $72,127 to $81,475, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Kingstown, 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 North Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5North Kingstown'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 North Kingstown is $82,493 ( 114.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,127, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,620.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,035
2025 BLS Actual
$70,279
2026 Current Est.
$72,127
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,035 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,838 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,359 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,864 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,109 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,858 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,279 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,127 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,024 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in North Kingstown, RI grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,035 in 2019 to $70,279 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,024. New graduates entering the North Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown
Companies actively hiring new graduates in North Kingstown include large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, which are known for their structured engineering training programs and solid career advancement opportunities. These firms typically target entry-level engineers who possess an ABET-accredited degree and have passed the FE exam to earn their EIT designation. In addition, state and federal agencies like the state Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offer stable career paths with valuable benefits but may lead to slower salary growth initially. Small firms can provide quicker project ownership, although they might lack formal training structures. For new graduates seeking to bolster their starting pay and career trajectory, obtaining the PE license following four years of relevant work experience is crucial, given its importance in qualifying for senior roles. With sustained demand for civil engineers driven by public infrastructure investments, first-year salaries in this sector should be approached with a realistic expectation of steady, albeit gradual, increases over the first few years.
More salary data for North Kingstown, RI:
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 North Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Kingstown 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