Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Tulare, CA: $57.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Tulare, CA runs $57.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,366 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Tulare's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,624 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tulare, civil engineers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $57.39, significantly higher than the national median of $49.76. This hourly rate proves advantageous for professionals working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a civil engineer who works three days a week could potentially earn a substantial income while maintaining work-life balance. The hourly wages for civil engineers in Tulare span from $38.58 at the entry level to as high as $88.95 for experienced professionals, reflecting the range of opportunities available across various environments—such as consulting firms equipped with CAD and Revit workstations, government offices, and construction sites. It’s important to note that these hourly rates are estimated from projected annual salary data, indicating a growing demand for civil engineers in the region as infrastructure investments continue.
About the Tulare 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) | $38.58 | $308.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.91 | $359.29 |
| Median (P50) | $57.39 | $459.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.99 | $583.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.95 | $711.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tulare
Based on $57.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.39/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tulare, CA can expect to earn approximately $119,373 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,869. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tulare.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tulare
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,295.63 | $9,948 | $119,373 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,377.38 | $5,969 | $71,624 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.25 | $3,979 | $47,749 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Tulare) | $57.39 |
| 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 Tulare, CA earn a median of $119,366 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.34% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.00% above the California state average of $118,184.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.39/hr = $71,624/year (purchasing power: $63,328).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,373/year (purchasing power: $105,546).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Tulare (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Tulare grew 15.8% from $48.28/hr (2019) to $55.92/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.90/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 Tulare 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 Tulare
For those considering part-time work, a civil engineer in Tulare who opts for a 3-day workweek, totaling 24 hours, could take home approximately $71,000 annually, compared to the full-time average. Many per-diem civil engineers bill agency rates ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, while seasoned structural or forensic engineers can command rates of $250 to $500 per hour as expert witnesses. The variety of employer types—including engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, federal agencies like the USACE, and private developers—contributes to differing hourly pay structures. While some professionals may prioritize a full-time role with benefits, potentially accepting lower hourly wages, others might find opportunities to work for oneself appealing, as they can set their rates. Ultimately, understanding the unique wage landscape in Tulare, CA, allows civil engineers to negotiate effectively and make choices that align with their professional and financial goals.
More salary data for Tulare, 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 Tulare. 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 Tulare 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