Civil Engineer Hourly Pay in Whittier, CA: $57.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a civil engineer working in Whittier, CA runs $57.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,881 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Weighted against Whittier's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,931 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whittier, California, the projected civil engineer hourly pay for 2026 is estimated at $57.64, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.76. This wage reflects the strong demand for civil engineers in the wake of increased infrastructure spending driven by initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. For those in this profession working part-time—let's say three days a week—this translates to practical earnings while allowing for a work-life balance. Civil engineers typically operate in various environments such as consulting firm offices with advanced design software, governmental DOT offices, and construction site field offices. The hourly pay ranges from $39.20 for entry-level positions to $89.34 for top earners, indicating a robust progression in potential earnings throughout one’s career in Whittier.
About the Whittier 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) | $39.20 | $313.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.14 | $353.13 |
| Median (P50) | $57.64 | $461.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.65 | $589.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.34 | $714.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whittier
Based on $57.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.64/hr, a civil engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whittier, CA can expect to earn approximately $119,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,164. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Whittier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whittier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,305.48 | $9,990 | $119,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,383.29 | $5,994 | $71,931 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $922.19 | $3,996 | $47,954 |
Compare CE, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineer (Whittier) | $57.64 |
| 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 Whittier, CA earn a median of $119,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.84% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.50% above the California state average of $118,109.
Civil Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.64/hr = $71,931/year (purchasing power: $63,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,885/year (purchasing power: $105,999).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Whittier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for civil engineers in Whittier grew 15.8% from $48.49/hr (2019) to $56.16/hr (2025). At a 2.63% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.15/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 Whittier 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 Whittier
When considering part-time work for civil engineers, a commitment of only 24 hours a week could yield about $72,000 annually, versus a full-time engineer’s income which is higher in comparison, showcasing how flexible schedules can still deliver solid earnings. Many civil engineers may also engage in per-diem or contract work, often billing between $100 and $180 an hour, with specialized roles like structural or forensic engineers potentially reaching rates of $250 to $500 an hour. The variation in hourly rates across different employers in Whittier—ranging from large engineering firms to local government agencies—offers professionals the opportunity to tailor their careers to their financial and personal preferences. Those opting for positions with full benefits might accept a lower hourly rate for stability, while those comfortable with fewer perks might negotiate for higher pay. Navigating these choices effectively can significantly impact a civil engineer's overall career satisfaction and financial security.
More salary data for Whittier, 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 Whittier. 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 Whittier 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