Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Barre, VT: $69,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Barre, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,642 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,287 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,126) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barre, Vermont, recent graduates entering the civil engineering field can expect a starting salary around $69,642 in 2026. While this figure is below the city’s median annual salary of $101,126, there exists a clear trajectory for growth as entry-level engineers gain experience. New civil engineers can anticipate progressing through pay tiers, with potential earnings reaching $79,597 after a few years, closing the gap with established median benchmarks. Barre seems to be a viable market for fresh talent, with its entry-level salaries offering a solid foundation for growth over the initial stages of one's career.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barre
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 Barre
Entry-level civil engineers in Barre, VT typically start between $69,642 and $79,597 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,308 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,126 — 2.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Vermont of $68,000 represents just 97.64% of the starting civil engineer pay ($69,642/year) in Barre. 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 Barre
- 1Research the Barre market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $69,642 to $79,597, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barre, 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 Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barre'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 Barre is $81,308 ( 116.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,642, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,950.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,069
2025 BLS Actual
$67,857
2026 Current Est.
$69,642
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,069 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,845 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,862 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,473 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Barre, VT grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,069 in 2019 to $67,857 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,473. New graduates entering the Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barre 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 Barre
Employers within Barre's civil engineering sector include large consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, which are known for hiring new graduates and providing structured pathways to professional development through their Engineering in Training (EIT) programs. State departments of transportation (DOTs) and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), also present enticing opportunities for job security in public sector positions. Graduates should consider pursuing credentials such as the FE exam to achieve an EIT designation and eventually work towards a PE license. This route can dramatically enhance new grad civil engineer pay in VT, especially given the current emphasis on infrastructure investment spurred by recent federal initiatives. Although starting civil engineer salaries in Barre are slightly below national figures, the combination of viable career paths and growth prospects in the local market support a positive outlook for recent engineering graduates.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
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 Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barre 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