Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in De Pere, WI: $64,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the De Pere, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,204 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out De Pere's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,741 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,378) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in De Pere can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $64,204. Although this figure is considerably below the city median annual salary of $94,378, it sets a baseline for recent engineering graduates. Over the first few years, salaries are projected to steadily increase, with averages reaching approximately $74,028 for those in the 25th percentile and eventually closing the gap to the median as experience accumulates. For individuals looking to break into the field, De Pere offers a favorable job market, especially given the ongoing infrastructure investments fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which solidifies demand for civil engineering professionals in various sectors.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in De Pere
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 De Pere
Entry-level civil engineers in De Pere, WI typically start between $64,204 and $74,028 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,499 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,378 — 8.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 85.66% of the starting civil engineer pay ($64,204/year) in De Pere. 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 De Pere
- 1Research the De Pere market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $64,204 to $74,028, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in De Pere, 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 De Pere for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5De Pere'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 De Pere is $79,499 ( 123.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,204, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,703.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,770
2025 BLS Actual
$62,559
2026 Current Est.
$64,204
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,107 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,893 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in De Pere, WI grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,770 in 2019 to $62,559 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,893. New graduates entering the De Pere job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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 De Pere
Employers in De Pere typically include a mix of large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which have structured training programs for Engineering In Training (EIT) roles. These firms offer a clear path toward the Professional Engineer (PE) license, which is critical for long-term career advancement. Meanwhile, government positions with agencies such as the state Department of Transportation or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may provide stable employment with benefits like pensions. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor also hire entry-level civil engineers for fieldwork. To enhance earning potential and professional credibility in Wisconsin, obtaining an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree followed by passing the FE exam can lead to the EIT designation, setting the stage for future licensure as a PE. In the first three years, it’s reasonable to anticipate salary growth aligned with the regional market, potentially paving the way for rapid advancement and increased responsibilities as infrastructure demands continue to drive the sector forward.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
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 De Pere. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for De Pere 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