Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $58.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Fullerton, CA runs $58.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,367 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,815 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the civil engineer hourly pay in Fullerton, California, stands at $58.35, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.76. This rate exemplifies the competitive market for civil engineering professionals in California, driven partly by the state's higher cost of living and demand across various sectors such as infrastructure and urban development. For part-time engineers working three days a week, this translates to a robust earning potential that can support a comfortable lifestyle while allowing for work-life balance. Entry-level positions in Fullerton see hourly rates beginning at around $37.96, while seasoned experts can earn upwards of $90.44 per hour, making the field lucrative for both newcomers and those with extensive experience. Whether operating in consulting offices filled with advanced CAD software or engaging in hybrid roles that blend remote and on-site work, the hourly compensation reflects the multifaceted nature of civil engineering roles within the region.
About the Fullerton 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) | $37.96 | $303.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.97 | $359.78 |
| Median (P50) | $58.35 | $466.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.68 | $597.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.44 | $723.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $58.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.35/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,014. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,333.81 | $10,113 | $121,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,400.28 | $6,068 | $72,815 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $933.52 | $4,045 | $48,543 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Fullerton) | $58.35 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $121,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.70% above the California state average of $118,176.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.35/hr = $72,815/year (purchasing power: $64,381).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,358/year (purchasing power: $107,301).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Fullerton grew 15.8% from $49.08/hr (2019) to $56.85/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.88/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
For civil engineers contemplating part-time work, a schedule of 24 hours per week can yield substantial yearly earnings, contrasting notably with the full-time income of their peers. Per diem civil engineer pay in Fullerton can average between $100 and $180 per hour, especially for those hired on a 1099 basis. Experienced professionals in niches such as structural engineering or forensic analysis frequently command elevated rates, ranging from $250 to $500 per hour for expert witness services. Salary variations also emerge based on employer types, with engineering consulting firms and large construction companies typically offering competitive compensation packages, while public sector roles might provide more stable but less lucrative wages. The choice between higher hourly wages without benefits versus positions that include health insurance highlights the trade-offs civil engineers must consider. For those venturing into negotiations, articulating value through proven skills and industry certifications, like the PE license, can enhance discussions around hourly rates, particularly in a burgeoning infrastructure landscape influenced by laws like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Fullerton, 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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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