Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $55.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Alhambra, CA runs $55.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,418 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,856 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Civil engineers in Alhambra, California, earn a median hourly rate of $55.97, which places them above the national median of $49.76. This competitive pay reflects the region's need for skilled professionals in various environments, from consulting firms with CAD workstations to construction sites and government offices. For part-time civil engineers, typically working three days a week, this rate can lead to substantial earnings, particularly in a field where remote and hybrid work has become more common. The hourly range in Alhambra extends from $39.90 for entry-level positions to as high as $86.75 for top earners, indicating a promising trajectory for those who ascend in their careers or specialize in high-demand areas. These estimates, based on projected 2026 data from 2025 BLS information, underscore the value of civil engineers in a city benefiting from infrastructure investments.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Civil Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.90 | $319.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.47 | $363.72 |
| Median (P50) | $55.97 | $447.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.67 | $565.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.75 | $694.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $55.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.97/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $116,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,169. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,238.98 | $9,702 | $116,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,343.39 | $5,821 | $69,856 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $895.59 | $3,881 | $46,571 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Alhambra) | $55.97 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Architect (National Avg) | $45.72 |
| Construction Manager (National Avg) | $51.87 |
Civil Engineers in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $116,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.49% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.50% below the California state average of $118,191.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.97/hr = $69,856/year (purchasing power: $61,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,427/year (purchasing power: $102,941).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Alhambra grew 15.8% from $47.09/hr (2019) to $54.54/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.45/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem civil engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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.
Working as an Hourly Civil Engineer in Alhambra
Looking at the earning potential for part-time engineers, a civil engineer working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $43,824 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts earning significantly more. For those considering per-diem or contract work, the landscape varies widely; per diem civil engineer pay in Alhambra can range from $100 to $180 per hour, with seasoned structural engineers charging $250 to $500 for expert services. Depending on the employer type—such as large engineering firms like AECOM or local public works departments—hourly rates may fluctuate. It's essential to weigh the benefits of stable employment, including health insurance, against the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rates, being aware of the local market and emphasizing industry certifications can provide leverage, especially in a growing field like civil engineering that is also benefiting from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for civil engineers in Alhambra. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alhambra 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