Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $57.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Westminster, CA runs $57.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,422 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,649 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, civil engineer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $57.41 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $49.76. This competitive hourly rate reflects the demand for professionals skilled in design and project management, particularly within settings such as consulting firm offices, government departments, and construction sites. For part-time civil engineers working three days per week, this translates into a respectable income potential, even though their earnings will differ from full-time counterparts. Westminster's salary range for civil engineers spans from approximately $38.46 for entry-level positions to $88.99 for the most experienced, highlighting the opportunities for growth in earnings as one gains expertise and credentials.
About the Westminster 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) | $38.46 | $307.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.96 | $359.70 |
| Median (P50) | $57.41 | $459.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.49 | $587.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.99 | $711.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $57.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.41/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $119,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,893. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,296.45 | $9,951 | $119,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,377.87 | $5,971 | $71,649 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $918.58 | $3,981 | $47,766 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Westminster) | $57.41 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $119,422 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.39% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.10% above the California state average of $118,123.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.41/hr = $71,649/year (purchasing power: $63,350).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,415/year (purchasing power: $105,584).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Westminster grew 15.8% from $48.30/hr (2019) to $55.94/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.92/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
For those considering the lifestyle of a part-time civil engineer, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time positions. However, per diem civil engineer pay in Westminster can be lucrative, with hourly billing rates ranging from $100 to $180 for contract work; experienced professionals in specialized fields may even command rates upwards of $250/hr. Employer type also plays a crucial role in determining civil engineer hourly rates in Westminster. Consulting firms and federal agencies may offer different pay scales compared to Fortune 500 construction companies, with many professionals weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits and stable positions that provide healthcare. For those negotiating hourly rates, being informed about local pay standards and market demands can provide leverage in discussions. With ongoing infrastructure spending influenced by recent legislation, skilled engineers are likely to find ample opportunities to maximize their hourly pay in Westminster.
More salary data for Westminster, 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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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