Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Hurst, TX: $54,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,139 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,395 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,626) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the civil engineering field in Hurst, Texas, can expect an initial salary around $54,139, with growth opportunities over the next few years potentially leading to figures closer to the median for the area, which stands at $81,626 in 2026. This entry-level pay represents a 33% gap from the median, indicating that while starting salaries may be modest, there's clear room for advancement as professionals gain experience. By moving through the experiential thresholds—transitioning from the 25th percentile salary of $67,972 to the $81,626 median—new civil engineers can realistically expect salary increases that reflect their growing expertise and the ongoing demand for infrastructure improvements driven by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Hurst, TX, indeed presents a promising job market for entry-level civil engineers, thanks in part to its attractive cost of living, which is slightly below the national average.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level civil engineers in Hurst, TX typically start between $54,139 and $67,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,401 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,626 — 21.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 107.13% of the starting civil engineer pay ($54,139/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $54,139 to $67,972, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $71,401 ( 131.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,139, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,540.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,811
2025 BLS Actual
$52,752
2026 Current Est.
$54,139
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,811 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,414 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,871 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,479 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,752 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,563 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,811 in 2019 to $52,752 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,563. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
In Hurst, significant hiring opportunities for new graduate civil engineers primarily arise from a mix of large consulting firms, such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which actively recruit entry-level engineers and offer structured training through their Engineering-in-Training (EIT) programs. These firms emphasize the importance of credentials like an ABET-accredited degree, the FE exam, and subsequent licensure pathways to attain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which can substantially influence salary progression. Furthermore, candidates may also consider careers with state departments of transportation or federal agencies, which provide stable government positions alongside benefits such as pension plans. The first few years in this field often involve participation in substantial projects, enhanced by recent infrastructure spending trends, which are key for career growth. Over the course of those early years, engineers who remain proactive in pursuing continuing education and licensure can realistically anticipate new grad civil engineer pay in TX gradually increasing, reflecting their dedication and adaptation within a competitive hiring environment.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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