Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $56.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in San Clemente, CA runs $56.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected civil engineer hourly pay in San Clemente, CA, is estimated at $56.49, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.76. This competitive rate reflects the ongoing demand for skilled civil engineers, particularly amidst the infrastructure initiatives spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, can expect to earn around $2,797 for a typical 24-hour workweek. Full-time positions offer greater earning potential, but part-time civil engineers often find flexible opportunities within consulting firms, construction sites, and government offices where CAD and design tools are readily available. In San Clemente, entry-level roles may start at approximately $36.53 per hour, climbing to as much as $87.55 for top earners who have extensive experience and specialized skills.
About the San Clemente 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) | $36.53 | $292.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.27 | $362.16 |
| Median (P50) | $56.49 | $451.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.30 | $578.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.55 | $700.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $56.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.49/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $117,494 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,785. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,259.50 | $9,791 | $117,494 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,355.70 | $5,875 | $70,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $903.80 | $3,916 | $46,998 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (San Clemente) | $56.49 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $117,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.53% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 0.60% below the California state average of $118,204.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.49/hr = $70,496/year (purchasing power: $62,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,494/year (purchasing power: $103,885).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in San Clemente grew 15.8% from $47.52/hr (2019) to $55.04/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.97/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
For professionals considering per-diem work, civil engineers in San Clemente frequently enjoy higher hourly compensation, with 1099 contractors billing rates around $100 to $180 per hour. More seasoned structural engineers who serve as expert witnesses can command an impressive $250 to $500 per hour for their insights. Salary dynamics vary with employer type; engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs tend to provide consistent work but might offer lower hourly rates compared to Fortune 500 construction firms like Bechtel, which can afford to pay more. While some may gravitate towards higher pay with no benefits, others favor the stability and health insurance that comes with traditional employment. In this competitive environment, civil engineers should effectively negotiate their hourly rates, emphasizing their credentials such as EIT or PE licenses to position themselves favorably with potential employers.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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