Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Fairfield, CA: $58.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Fairfield, CA runs $58.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Fairfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairfield, California, civil engineers can expect a competitive hourly pay rate, with a median of $58.56. This figure significantly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $49.76, indicating a strong local demand for engineering talent. For part-time civil engineers working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to substantial weekly earnings, especially in office environments equipped with advanced design software like CAD and Revit, as well as dynamic field settings such as construction sites and government offices. The hourly earnings in this profession can range widely; those in entry-level positions may earn around $38.62, whereas seasoned experts in civil engineering can command up to $90.78 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within consulting firms, construction sites, and governmental agencies.
About the Fairfield 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) | $38.62 | $308.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.40 | $363.23 |
| Median (P50) | $58.56 | $468.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.96 | $599.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.78 | $726.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfield
Based on $58.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.56/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,273. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,342.43 | $10,151 | $121,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,405.46 | $6,090 | $73,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $936.97 | $4,060 | $48,722 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Fairfield) | $58.56 |
| 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 Fairfield, CA earn a median of $121,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.71% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 3.10% above the California state average of $118,153.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.56/hr = $73,084/year (purchasing power: $64,619).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,806/year (purchasing power: $107,698).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Fairfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Fairfield grew 15.8% from $49.26/hr (2019) to $57.06/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.10/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 Fairfield 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 Fairfield
Looking at the financial dynamics of a civil engineer's career in Fairfield, working part-time can yield promising annual returns. For instance, an engineer on a schedule of 24 hours per week would bring in a noteworthy income, though full-time positions generally offer enhanced stability and benefits. Additionally, the per diem civil engineer pay in Fairfield can be particularly lucrative, with many professionals billing anywhere from $100 to $180 per hour. Highly experienced civil engineers, especially in niche areas like structural and forensic engineering, can earn as much as $250 to $500 per hour. Hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer as well; major engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, alongside notable construction companies, provide varying compensation structures compared to public sector roles in local public works or federal agencies. While some engineers may opt for positions offering lower hourly wages but better benefits, negotiating effectively can lead to more favorable compensation arrangements that align with their professional goals.
More salary data for Fairfield, 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 Fairfield. 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 Fairfield 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