Civil Engineer Salary in Chula Vista, CA: $111,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Chula Vista, CA earns a median $111,893/year (≈ $53.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Chula Vista's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $98,933 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chula Vista, California, the civil engineer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $111,893 in 2026, which represents an increase over previous estimates and positions it above the national average of $103,492. Salary ranges in the area demonstrate notable variability, with entry-level positions earning as little as $68,002 (P10) while seasoned professionals can command up to $173,434 (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors. In the context of the local job market, civil engineers in Chula Vista face a dynamic landscape influenced by prominent employers spanning consulting, government, and construction sectors, shaping the overall compensation framework.
About the Chula Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,002 | $32.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,463 | $43.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,893 | $53.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,223 | $68.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,434 | $83.39 |
Median Salary Position
8.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chula Vista
In Chula Vista, CA, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $105,432 (2026 est.). At $111,893, the local median is 8.12% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chula Vista: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chula Vista Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Chula Vista median: $111,893/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chula Vista Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $118,156 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $103,492 | +8.12% more |
Civil Engineers in Chula Vista, CA earn a median of $111,893 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 5.30% below the California state average of $118,156.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chula Vista has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chula Vista, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,893 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,933 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,127
2025 BLS Actual
$109,026
2026 Current Est.
$111,893
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Chula Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,760 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $103,674 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chula Vista metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $94,127 (2019) to $109,026 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,709 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chula Vista 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,002 – $89,463 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,463 – $111,893 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,893 – $143,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,223 – $173,434 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Chula Vista
The job market for civil engineers in Chula Vista encompasses 51 professionals, reflecting a solid employment base. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the financial realities of living and working in this area can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. High-paying opportunities often arise within prestigious engineering consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, as well as leading construction companies such as Bechtel and Kiewit. The pay variation stems from several factors, including the possession of a PE license, specialization in areas like structural or geotechnical engineering, and tier of the employing firm. Additionally, the current infrastructure spending boom, fueled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has heightened demand for skilled civil engineers, making now an opportune time for professionals looking to enhance their careers in Chula Vista. For those aiming to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can be effective strategies in this evolving market.
More salary data for Chula Vista, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $109,026 for civil engineersin the Chula Vista metropolitan area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chula Vista 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