Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Waukesha, WI: $66,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Waukesha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,028 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waukesha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,694 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,964) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Waukesha, Wisconsin, prospective salaries in 2026 present a range reflective of the competitive nature of the industry. Entry-level positions typically start around $66,028 annually, which signifies a gap when compared to the city's median salary of $99,964. New civil engineers can anticipate a progressive income trajectory, moving from the entry-level P10 figure through to the P25 at $77,273 over their first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.63%, Waukesha appears to be a favorable market for those just starting their careers, particularly with ongoing infrastructure investments driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law creating a robust demand for engineers.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waukesha
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 Waukesha
Entry-level civil engineers in Waukesha, WI typically start between $66,028 and $77,273 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,916 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,964 — 3.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 83.30% of the starting civil engineer pay ($66,028/year) in Waukesha. 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 Waukesha
- 1Research the Waukesha market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $66,028 to $77,273, 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 Waukesha, 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 Waukesha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waukesha'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 Waukesha is $88,916 ( 134.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,028, experienced hygienists can earn up to $154,944.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,212
2025 BLS Actual
$64,336
2026 Current Est.
$66,028
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,212 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,086 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,548 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,765 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Waukesha, WI grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,212 in 2019 to $64,336 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,765. New graduates entering the Waukesha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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 Waukesha
In Waukesha, several employers actively recruit new civil engineering graduates, offering diverse opportunities that shape early career paths. Firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP lead the market in hiring new engineers, providing structured training programs that can facilitate licensure progression toward obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Additionally, government positions with entities such as state DOTs and the US Army Corps of Engineers offer stable career trajectories. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor tend to seek entry-level engineers for field projects. Obtaining California engineer-in-training designation by passing the FE exam can enhance starting salaries and future opportunities. As new graduates navigate their first three years in this growth environment, a focus on credentials can significantly improve salary potential, particularly as they approach the midpoint in their careers.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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 Waukesha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukesha 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