Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Burbank, CA: $180,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,868/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,919 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as a senior civil engineer in Burbank, California, commands strategic career advancement and expertise in specialized domains. The projected top civil engineer salary Burbank offers will reach an impressive $180,868 in 2026, with 75% of experienced peers earning approximately $149,363. This substantial salary differential highlights the pronounced experience premium within the field, where the median annual salary for seasoned professionals stands at $116,689. To attain such high earnings, civil engineers typically pursue advanced specializations, take on leadership roles, and continuously develop technical skills that drive value in high-demand areas such as structural engineering, transportation, and construction management.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $149,363 and $180,868 per year (2026 est.). This $106,313 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $116,689 sits 12.75% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,689 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,363 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,868 | $167,513 |
In Burbank, experienced civil engineers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Civil Engineer Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $116,689 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $149,363–$180,868 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced civil engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured civil engineers in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Civil Engineers in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Civil Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #96 of 158 California cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $180,868).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Burbank ($180,868) is 1.42% below the California average P90 ($183,474).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,085
2025 BLS Actual
$176,233
2026 Current Est.
$180,868
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $143,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,747 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,427 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,233 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,625 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $156,085 in 2019 to $176,233 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.63% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $185,625 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your Civil Engineer Earnings in Burbank
The compensation landscape for senior civil engineers in Burbank reflects differences driven by specialization and employer type. Civil engineers focusing on areas like water resources or geotechnical engineering often see higher salaries due to the technical nature and critical demand in the industry. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer; leading consulting firms, like AECOM and Jacobs, tend to offer salaries above the market median, while public sector positions may provide more stability but less financial incentive. Career advancement often follows clear pathways, starting from engineer-in-training (EIT) to professional engineer (PE) and further into project management or technical leadership roles. Additionally, obtaining qualifications such as an Environmental Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) or even a Structural Engineer (SE) license can markedly boost earning potential across Burbank and beyond, while navigating a growing emphasis on infrastructure investment spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law ensures a vibrant job market for years to come.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Burbank?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Burbank?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $176,233 for civil engineers in the Burbank metro area. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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