Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Palmdale, CA: $56.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Palmdale, CA runs $56.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,396 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Palmdale'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
In Palmdale, California, the civil engineer hourly pay is projected to reach $56.44 in 2026, notably higher than the national median of $49.76 per hour. This figure is especially significant for those considering part-time roles or per-diem work, common in settings like consulting firm offices or construction site field offices. For a part-time civil engineer working three days a week, which totals around 24 hours, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income for flexible schedules. The hourly pay can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at around $38.37, while top earners in the field can command rates as high as $87.48. These estimates highlight the opportunities available for civil engineers in Palmdale, where the demand for infrastructure projects remains strong due to ongoing investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
About the Palmdale 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) | $38.37 | $306.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.62 | $356.99 |
| Median (P50) | $56.44 | $451.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.24 | $577.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.48 | $699.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palmdale
Based on $56.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.44/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palmdale, 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 Palmdale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palmdale
| 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 (Palmdale) | $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 Palmdale, CA earn a median of $117,396 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 $118,105.
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 Palmdale (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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale 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 Palmdale
Considering the dynamics of part-time and per-diem work, a civil engineer in Palmdale working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate would net approximately $70,850 annually, compared to a full-time engineer's potential income of over $117,396. Per-diem civil engineers typically command higher hourly rates, often billing between $100 and $180, depending on their specialization and experience. Notably, seasoned structural or forensic engineers serving as expert witnesses can see rates soar to between $250 to $500 per hour. The type of employer also influences pay significantly: government agencies and public works departments may offer more stable benefits at lower rates compared to fast-paced consulting firms or large construction companies, sometimes requiring salary negotiations that weigh benefits against hourly pay. For those seeking civil engineer hourly rates in CA, understanding these nuances can enhance one's earning potential in the competitive job market of Palmdale.
More salary data for Palmdale, 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 Palmdale. 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 Palmdale 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