Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, CA: $57.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Lancaster, CA runs $57.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,555 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,328 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, CA, the civil engineer hourly pay is projected to reach $57.96 in 2026, significantly outperforming the national median of $49.76 per hour by approximately 16.49%. This competitive hourly rate provides a favorable environment for civil engineers, especially those engaged in part-time work, such as those employed three days a week. Working a typical 24-hour week, these professionals can expect a substantial income that complements their expertise in high-demand engineering tasks. The hourly pay range in Lancaster spans from $37.33 for entry-level positions to an impressive $89.83 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within various settings. Whether working in consulting offices equipped with advanced software like CAD or in hybrid roles focused on project design and review, these hourly estimates highlight both the accessibility and profitability of civil engineering careers in the area.
About the Lancaster 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) | $37.33 | $298.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.20 | $353.62 |
| Median (P50) | $57.96 | $463.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.69 | $589.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.83 | $718.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $57.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.96/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, CA can expect to earn approximately $120,547 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,546. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,318.21 | $10,046 | $120,547 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,390.92 | $6,027 | $72,328 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $927.28 | $4,018 | $48,219 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Lancaster) | $57.96 |
| 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 Lancaster, CA earn a median of $120,555 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.49% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 2.00% above the California state average of $118,192.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.96/hr = $72,328/year (purchasing power: $63,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,547/year (purchasing power: $106,584).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Lancaster grew 15.8% from $48.75/hr (2019) to $56.47/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.48/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Looking closer at the earning potential, part-time civil engineers working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $73,944 annually, which still represents a solid income compared to many other professions. However, many in the field may find themselves drawn to per-diem or contract roles, as per diem civil engineer pay in Lancaster often ranges from $100 to $180 per hour. Specialized engineers engaged in forensic work or expert witness testimony can command even higher rates, billing between $250 and $500 per hour. Variations in hourly wages can also stem from employment settings, with local consulting firms, statewide Department of Transportation projects, and federal agencies each bringing distinct compensation packages and benefits. Some engineers may choose lower hourly rates for the security of health benefits, while those seeking flexibility might opt for higher pay without benefits. Negotiation tactics, such as articulating the value brought to projects or being aware of prevailing rates in Lancaster, can also significantly affect compensation for hourly workers in this industry.
More salary data for Lancaster, 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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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