Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $66,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,143 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,817 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,931) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates in civil engineering entering the job market in Manitowoc, Wisconsin can expect a starting salary around $66,143. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $91,931, creating a notable gap for entry-level positions. However, first-job expectations should also acknowledge the potential for gradual salary growth within the field; moving from P10 to P25, new engineers can realistically anticipate reaching approximately $74,770 within the first few years. Overall, Manitowoc presents a favorable environment for early-career civil engineers, with a steady projected growth rate of 2.63% annually, suggesting a consistent demand for talented professionals as infrastructure initiatives, driven by funding like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, continue to expand.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level civil engineers in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $66,143 and $74,770 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,350 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,931 — 11.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 83.15% of the starting civil engineer pay ($66,143/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $66,143 to $74,770, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $76,350 ( 115.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,143, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,493.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,303
2025 BLS Actual
$64,448
2026 Current Est.
$66,143
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,039 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,185 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,707 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,883 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,303 in 2019 to $64,448 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,883. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
More specifically, larger firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are among the primary employers in Manitowoc, typically recruiting recent grads with established training programs to guide them through the progression toward licensure. Meanwhile, state and federal agencies such as the US Army Corps of Engineers provide stable career paths with benefits, including pensions. Smaller firms may offer quicker project ownership opportunities, although their training may be more informal. Credentials such as a degree from an ABET-accredited program, completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and eventual Professional Engineer licensure are crucial to increasing one's marketability and compensation. In the first few years, many engineers can expect salary increases as they gain experience, secure licenses, and build professional networks—factors that are essential in a competitive job market. Overall, proactive career strategies in Manitowoc align well with industry trends and the growing demand for civil engineers.
More salary data for Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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