Civil Engineer Salary in Hayward, CA: $119,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time civil engineer in Hayward, CA earns a median $119,696/year (≈ $57.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2051). Once you factor in Hayward's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $105,832 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Civil engineers in Hayward, California, earn a median annual salary of $119,696 in 2026, which is significantly above the national median of $103,492. The salary range for this profession in Hayward spans from $75,604 at the 10th percentile to $185,529 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse compensation landscape driven by various industry sectors. Local estimates from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments indicate that pay levels vary notably depending on whether engineers are employed by consulting firms like AECOM and Jacobs, government bodies such as state DOTs, or construction companies like Bechtel. As infrastructure investment continues to grow, particularly through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the need for skilled civil engineers is expected to remain robust, positioning Hayward as an attractive market for professionals in this field.
About the Hayward Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,604 | $36.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,372 | $46.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,696 | $57.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,211 | $73.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,529 | $89.20 |
Median Salary Position
15.66% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hayward
In Hayward, CA, the civil engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,925 (2026 est.). At $119,696, the local median is 15.66% above the national median of $103,492.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hayward: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hayward Civil Engineer Pay Compares
Hayward median: $119,696/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hayward Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $118,160 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $103,492 | +15.66% more |
Civil Engineers in Hayward, CA earn a median of $119,696 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.66% higher than the national median of $103,492 and 1.30% above the California state average of $118,160.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hayward has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hayward, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,696 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,832 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,691
2025 BLS Actual
$116,629
2026 Current Est.
$119,696
2019–2027 Growth
+22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hayward (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,691 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,904 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,229 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,844 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hayward metropolitan area, the median civil engineer salary grew 15.8% from $100,691 (2019) to $116,629 (2025). At a 2.63% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,844 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,153 (22.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hayward 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) | $75,604 – $97,372 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,372 – $119,696 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,696 – $153,211 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,211 – $185,529 |
CE, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual civil engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Hayward
In Hayward, the civil engineer job market reflects a stable environment with approximately 23 engineers currently employed, indicating a strong demand for talent in the region. However, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, consulting firms generally offer higher salaries compared to government and construction roles due to their reliance on specialized knowledge and top-tier projects. Factors influencing the pay spectrum include the importance of having a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which helps bridge the gap between entry-level and senior salary brackets, as well as specialization in high-demand areas like structural, geotechnical, or transportation engineering. To maximize earnings, candidates should prioritize obtaining their PE license, seek positions in top consulting firms, and stay informed on infrastructure projects funded by federal initiatives, as these can significantly enhance career prospects and salary potential in Hayward, CA.
More salary data for Hayward, 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 $116,629 for civil engineersin the Hayward 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 Hayward 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