Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $55.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $55.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,831 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $55.15 for civil engineers in Laguna Niguel, California, professionals in this field earn notably more than the national median of $49.76. This higher pay reflects the region's demand for skilled engineers due to infrastructure spending and regional cost of living factors. For those working part-time, say three days a week, the potential earnings remain substantial; with enough clients, per-diem civil engineers can significantly increase their hourly rates, especially in roles that leverage proficiency in software like CAD, Revit, or AutoCAD. The hourly pay range extends from $37.81 for entry-level roles to about $85.48 for top earners, indicating varied opportunities across consulting offices, field sites, and government agencies.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $37.81 | $302.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.83 | $350.67 |
| Median (P50) | $55.15 | $441.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.60 | $564.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.48 | $683.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $55.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.15/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $114,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,184. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,206.13 | $9,560 | $114,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,323.68 | $5,736 | $68,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $882.45 | $3,824 | $45,888 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Laguna Niguel) | $55.15 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $114,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.85% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.90% below the California state average of $118,142.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.15/hr = $68,831/year (purchasing power: $60,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,719/year (purchasing power: $101,431).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Laguna Niguel grew 15.8% from $46.40/hr (2019) to $53.74/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.60/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Part-time civil engineers, working approximately 24 hours a week, can expect to take home around $76,980 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts who earn significantly more. For those opting for per-diem or agency positions, the landscape shifts dramatically. Many bill rates range from $100 to $180 per hour; however, experts serving as consultants in specialized fields like forensic engineering may command $250 to $500 per hour. Employment opportunities in Laguna Niguel vary widely, depending on whether one is at a major engineering firm or a local government office. Factors influencing hourly rates include the benefits offered and the potential for job security versus flexible project-based work. Often, engineers might choose lower hourly wages with comprehensive benefits over higher pay without them, making negotiation strategies critical in this regional market. Practitioners in this area should consider the surrounding competitive landscape and the potential impacts of infrastructure initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law when evaluating their worth in the workforce.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, 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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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