Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $57.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Glendale, CA runs $57.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,866 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, civil engineers earn a median hourly rate of $57.14, which stands significantly higher than the national median of $49.76. This rate not only reflects the skill set and expertise required in this profession but also offers various work arrangements such as part-time and per-diem positions. For example, a civil engineer working three days a week could expect to earn around $4,114 each month before taxes, while per-diem workers may operate in consulting firm offices, construction sites, or even remotely. Hourly rates for civil engineers in Glendale range from $39.78 for entry-level positions to as much as $88.58 for seasoned professionals, indicating a competitive pay structure that aligns well with the demands of the industry.
About the Glendale 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) | $39.78 | $318.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.02 | $368.15 |
| Median (P50) | $57.14 | $457.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.14 | $585.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.58 | $708.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $57.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.14/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $118,860 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,573. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,285.78 | $9,905 | $118,860 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,371.47 | $5,943 | $71,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $914.31 | $3,962 | $47,544 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Glendale) | $57.14 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $118,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.86% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.60% above the California state average of $118,157.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.14/hr = $71,316/year (purchasing power: $63,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,860/year (purchasing power: $105,093).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Glendale grew 15.8% from $48.07/hr (2019) to $55.68/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.65/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Evaluating the earning potential over a part-time schedule, a civil engineer working 24 hours per week might bring home an annual income of approximately $52,056, contrasting significantly with full-time counterparts earning $118,866 yearly. Per-diem civil engineers tend to see rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, with specialized roles—such as expert witnesses—commanding even higher fees of up to $500 per hour. Glendale's civil engineers can expect varying hourly rates depending on their employer, with engineering consulting firms and Fortune 500 construction companies likely offering competitive compensation. However, some engineers opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. To enhance earning potential, networking within established firms and understanding the local job market dynamics in Glendale may offer valuable negotiation leverage when discussing hourly pay rates.
More salary data for Glendale, 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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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