Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in University Place, WA: $73,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the University Place, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,588 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out University Place's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,518 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,486) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, Washington, new graduates seeking entry-level positions as civil engineers can anticipate a starting salary around $73,588 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of a spectrum that reaches up to the city's median civil engineer salary of $108,486, indicating a significant gap that entry-level professionals will look to bridge over the first few years. Entry-level salaries can increase rapidly as individuals gain experience, with those progressing to the 25th percentile potentially earning $84,937 within a few years. Given the ongoing infrastructure investment spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, University Place presents a promising job market for new civil engineering graduates eager to make their mark in the field.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in University Place
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 University Place
Entry-level civil engineers in University Place, WA typically start between $73,588 and $84,937 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,565 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,486 — 4.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Washington of $68,000 represents just 92.41% of the starting civil engineer pay ($73,588/year) in University Place. 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 University Place
- 1Research the University Place market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $73,588 to $84,937, 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 University Place, 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 University Place for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5University Place'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 University Place is $94,565 ( 128.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,588, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,153.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,190
2025 BLS Actual
$71,702
2026 Current Est.
$73,588
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,190 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,009 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,427 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,523 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in University Place, WA grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,190 in 2019 to $71,702 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,523. New graduates entering the University Place job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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 University Place
Employers in University Place that actively recruit entry-level civil engineers include major consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, and Kimley-Horn, which frequently offer structured training programs to new hires. State departments of transportation and various federal agencies, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers, provide additional career tracks with attractive benefits, including pensions. Meanwhile, construction firms such as Bechtel and Fluor often look for engineering interns with field experience. For new grads aiming to enhance their initial pay, obtaining credentials like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) designation before graduation can be vital, positioning them for swift career advancement. In the competitive job market, cultivating relationships with local firms may offer an edge, while also preparing for the PE license examination will be essential for career progression in the coming years. The steady demand for civil engineers will likely result in realistic salary growth opportunities within the initial years of employment.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for University Place 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