Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Texarkana, TX: $54,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,794 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,222 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,905) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates stepping into the field of civil engineering in Texarkana, securing an entry-level position offers a starting salary around $54,794, which is notably lower than the city’s projected median salary of $82,905 in 2026. While this initial figure may seem modest, early-career professionals can realistically expect gradual salary increases over their first few years, moving towards the 25th percentile pay of $63,384. This trajectory highlights a growing demand for civil engineering roles fueled by infrastructure projects under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, making Texarkana an appealing market for new graduates. Those entering the industry can leverage this demand to negotiate better pay as they gain experience, potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years if they undertake appropriate credentialing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level civil engineers in Texarkana, TX typically start between $54,794 and $63,384 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,732 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,905 — 19.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 105.85% of the starting civil engineer pay ($54,794/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $54,794 to $63,384, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $109,732 ( 200.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,794, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,526.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,380
2025 BLS Actual
$53,390
2026 Current Est.
$54,794
2019–2027 Growth
+9.4%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,235 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 3.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,380 in 2019 to $53,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,235. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
In Texarkana, multiple employers actively recruit newly minted civil engineers. Large consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn typically offer comprehensive training pipelines, which can be particularly advantageous for recent graduates seeking Professional Engineer (PE) licensure after completing their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Government agencies, including state departments of transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, present stable career paths with benefits like pensions, while construction companies such as Bechtel and Fluor look for entry-level engineers for field-based roles. As new professionals aim to enhance their salaries in Texas, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and pursuing a PE license can dramatically elevate their earning potential. This strategic approach not only aligns with increasing market demands but also positions them favorably against peers in both consulting and government sectors, promising rewarding growth within their first few years in the civil engineering field.
More salary data for Texarkana, 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 Texarkana. 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