Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $56.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in La Mirada, CA runs $56.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,395 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineering professionals in La Mirada, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $56.44 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $49.76. This elevated hourly rate is beneficial for part-time employees working approximately three days a week, allowing them to enjoy a competitive income while balancing personal commitments. For civil engineers engaged in per-diem or contract work, this hourly pay can significantly increase, as these roles typically exist in diverse settings such as consulting firms and government offices. As one moves from entry-level positions earning around $39.47 per hour to more seasoned professionals commanding as much as $87.13, the opportunities for career growth become apparent, reflecting the various demands of the profession.
About the La Mirada 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) | $39.47 | $315.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.11 | $360.85 |
| Median (P50) | $56.44 | $451.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.17 | $577.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.13 | $697.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $56.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.44/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $117,387 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,723. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,257.45 | $9,782 | $117,387 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,354.47 | $5,869 | $70,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $902.98 | $3,913 | $46,955 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (La Mirada) | $56.44 |
| 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 La Mirada, CA earn a median of $117,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.43% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.60% below the California state average of $118,104.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.44/hr = $70,432/year (purchasing power: $62,274).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,387/year (purchasing power: $103,791).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in La Mirada grew 15.8% from $47.48/hr (2019) to $54.99/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.92/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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada
For civil engineers in La Mirada, the choice between part-time and full-time positions greatly impacts annual earnings. A civil engineer working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to take home approximately $70,786, compared to full-time counterparts securing the higher end of the salary spectrum. In the realm of per diem civil engineer pay La Mirada, professionals billing at rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour have the potential to substantially increase earnings. Fields such as structural or forensic engineering, particularly for expert witness roles, can see billing rates soar to between $250 and $500 per hour. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type; engineering consulting firms and Fortune 500 construction companies may provide different compensation packages. While some engineers may prefer the stability of lower hourly wages with benefits, others might prioritize higher pay at the cost of comprehensive health insurance. Negotiation tactics are essential, and understanding the local job market dynamics can further enhance earning potential in La Mirada.
More salary data for La Mirada, 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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada 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