Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Oakley, CA: $54.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Oakley, CA runs $54.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,370 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Oakley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,626 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Oakley, California, the civil engineer hourly pay stands at a median of $54.99, notably surpassing the national median of $49.76. This attractive hourly rate reflects the high demand for engineering professionals in the area, particularly as infrastructure development accelerates due to recent federal investments. For part-time civil engineers working three days a week, or in per-diem roles, this translates to substantial pay for positions often found in consulting firm offices or on construction sites, where technology such as CAD and Revit is widely used. Entry-level positions offer starting rates around $36.12, while seasoned engineers can earn as much as $85.22 per hour, making this field competitive for both experienced professionals and those new to the industry.
Examining the financial implications for part-time engineers, those working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week could expect to take home approximately $42,759 annually—an advantageous figure compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem options are even more lucrative; 1099 civil engineers often bill between $100-$180 per hour, with specialized experts earning up to $500 per hour for consulting services. Hourly rates can vary widely across employer types, from large engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs to federal agencies such as the EPA or USACE. The reality is that civil engineers might face a benefits dilemma: while some might accept lower hourly rates for health insurance, others may opt for higher rates without benefits. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Oakley include emphasizing expertise and leveraging local job market demand to secure better pay.
About the Oakley 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) | $36.12 | $288.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.53 | $364.21 |
| Median (P50) | $54.99 | $439.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.38 | $563.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.22 | $681.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakley
Based on $54.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.99/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakley, CA can expect to earn approximately $114,377 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,987. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,199.57 | $9,531 | $114,377 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,319.74 | $5,719 | $68,626 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $879.83 | $3,813 | $45,751 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Oakley) | $54.99 |
| 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 Oakley, CA earn a median of $114,370 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.51% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 3.20% below the California state average of $118,151.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.99/hr = $68,626/year (purchasing power: $60,678).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,377/year (purchasing power: $101,129).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Oakley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Oakley grew 15.8% from $46.26/hr (2019) to $53.58/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.44/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 Oakley 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 Oakley
With a civil engineer hourly rate of $54.99 in Oakley, compared to the national average of $49.76, professionals in this field are experiencing a competitive labor market driven by infrastructure spending propelled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The local demand for civil engineers is causing hourly wages to trend upward, making it an appealing option for those considering whether to specialize or explore agency work. As infrastructure projects ramp up, civil engineers can find work at various levels of the industry—from government sectors that often provide stability and benefits to boutique consultancies where high hourly rates can be negotiated.
Civil engineers must recognize the importance of their credentials, including the essential PE license for advancing to senior roles. Various employers, from Fortune 500 construction titans like Bechtel and Kiewit to specialized firms focusing on geotechnical studies, present diverse opportunities, each with distinct pay structures. In Oakley, seasoned professionals and those in niche markets can significantly benefit from negotiating their rates, particularly in circumstances where project funds allow for flexibility. Engineers who are proactive about seeking rates that reflect their qualifications and expertise can secure favorable work terms, thus enhancing their financial prospects in the competitive landscape of civil engineering pay in CA.
More salary data for Oakley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for civil engineers in Oakley in 2026?
How much do part-time civil engineers make in Oakley?
Are civil engineers in Oakley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time civil engineer make per year in Oakley?
Do civil engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Oakley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Oakley. 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 Oakley 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