Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Bothell, WA: $78,106 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Bothell, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,106 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bothell's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,724 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,641) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering workforce in Bothell, Washington, can anticipate a starting salary around $78,106, with realistic expectations for early-career professionals typically aligning with salary advancements from this entry-level figure. As civil engineers gain experience over the first few years, their pay is likely to increase, reaching approximately $87,754 within a few years, narrowing the gap towards the city median of $106,641. Bothell presents a favorable job market for recent engineering graduates, especially with the ongoing demand driven by infrastructure spending, which bolsters prospects for those starting their careers. For new graduates, understanding these financial benchmarks is essential for effective salary negotiations and job selection.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bothell
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 Bothell
Entry-level civil engineers in Bothell, WA typically start between $78,106 and $87,754 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $87,187 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,641 — 3.04% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Washington of $68,000 represents just 87.06% of the starting civil engineer pay ($78,106/year) in Bothell. 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 Bothell
- 1Research the Bothell market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $78,106 to $87,754, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bothell, 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 Bothell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bothell'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 Bothell is $87,187 ( 111.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,106, experienced hygienists can earn up to $165,293.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,762
2025 BLS Actual
$76,104
2026 Current Est.
$78,106
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,762 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,632 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,104 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,106 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,160 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Bothell, WA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,762 in 2019 to $76,104 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,160. New graduates entering the Bothell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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 Bothell
In Bothell, various employers actively seek entry-level civil engineers, including large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, which typically offer structured training programs and clear career pathways. State departments of transportation and federal agencies such as the US Army Corps of Engineers provide steady government career tracks, often appealing due to long-term stability and benefits. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor might attract field-engineering graduates seeking rapid project involvement, while smaller firms usually present opportunities for more direct project engagement but potentially provide less formal training. Credentials obtained during an engineer’s academic journey—like passing the FE exam for an EIT designation and pursuing a PE license—are critical to enhancing starting compensation and career trajectory. Given the upward trend in infrastructure investment fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, new grads should anticipate realistic salary growth in their first few years, as achieving a PE license marks a significant milestone for advancing into project management roles and unlocking higher pay brackets.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
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 Bothell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bothell 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