Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in South Jordan, UT: $63,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the South Jordan, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,307 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Jordan's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,533 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,888) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new civil engineering graduates entering the workforce in South Jordan, UT, the excitement of starting their careers comes with financial realities. The projected entry-level civil engineer salary in the area begins at around $63,307, which is significantly lower than the overall median for civil engineers in South Jordan, set at $94,888. This gap highlights the natural trajectory new engineers can expect as they gain experience; after their initial years, they may progress to earnings around $73,823 and eventually reach the median as they develop their skills. With consistent annual growth projected at 2.63%, the labor market for entry-level positions will remain competitive, making South Jordan an attractive option for new graduates seeking a career in civil engineering.
About the South Jordan Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Jordan
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 South Jordan
Entry-level civil engineers in South Jordan, UT typically start between $63,307 and $73,823 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,769 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,888 — 8.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Utah of $52,000 represents just 82.14% of the starting civil engineer pay ($63,307/year) in South Jordan. 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 South Jordan
- 1Research the South Jordan market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $63,307 to $73,823, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Jordan, 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 South Jordan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Jordan'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 South Jordan is $83,769 ( 132.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,307, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,076.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,060
2025 BLS Actual
$61,685
2026 Current Est.
$63,307
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in South Jordan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,765 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,177 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,267 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,685 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,972 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in South Jordan, UT grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,060 in 2019 to $61,685 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,972. New graduates entering the South Jordan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Jordan 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 South Jordan
Looking beyond salaries, aspiring civil engineers in South Jordan will find various pathways to boost their starting pay and career prospects in this thriving market. Major consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs actively recruit entry-level engineers, offering structured training programs essential for professional growth, while state departments of transportation and federal agencies provide stable career tracks with benefits like pensions. To solidify their market value, new graduates should focus on achieving their EIT designation by passing the FE exam and later pursuing a PE license, as these credentials are crucial for advancement into senior roles. With infrastructure spending drives from initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law creating demand for civil engineering professionals, entry-level engineers can expect stable career growth, with realistic salary increases anticipated in the first few years as they build experience and reputation in the field.
More salary data for South Jordan, UT:
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 South Jordan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Jordan 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