Senior Civil Engineer Salary in Hawthorne, CA: $180,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of civil engineers working in Hawthorne, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,942/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2051. Strip back Hawthorne's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,984 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
In 2026, experienced civil engineers in Hawthorne, California, can expect to see a median annual salary of $116,736, with the potential to earn significantly more—up to $180,942 for top-tier professionals in the 90th percentile. This represents a substantial income, especially given that it exceeds the national median salary of $103,492 by approximately 12.80%. The wide salary range from $74,387 at the 10th percentile to the remarkable high at the 90th percentile illustrates the experience premium prevalent in this market. Achieving such top-tier pay typically requires over seven years of dedicated experience, specialization in high-demand areas, and advanced credentials such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license to navigate the competitive landscape successfully.
About the Hawthorne Market
Salary estimated from California average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hawthorne
Experienced civil engineers at the top of the pay scale in Hawthorne earn between $147,786 and $180,942 per year (2026 est.). This $106,555 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hawthorne median of $116,736 sits 12.8% above the US median.
Top CE, PE Salary Comparison
| Level | Hawthorne | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,736 | $103,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,786 | $133,091 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,942 | $167,513 |
In Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne
Advanced Certifications in California
CA civil engineers with additional specialty certifications within the civil engineering field earn significantly above the $116,736 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hawthorne employers.
Specialty Focus
Civil Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the civil engineering field in Hawthorne command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,786–$180,942 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Clinical Civil Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Civil Engineer
5-10 yearsCivil Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHawthorne ranks #94 of 158 California cities for top earner civil engineer salary (90th percentile: $180,942).
Top 10% civil engineer compensation in Hawthorne ($180,942) is 1.38% below the California average P90 ($183,474).
2019 BLS Actual
$156,149
2025 BLS Actual
$176,305
2026 Current Est.
$180,942
2019–2027 Growth
+18.9%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,149 | Actual |
| 2020 | $156,419 | Actual |
| 2021 | $144,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $149,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $162,716 | Actual |
| 2024 | $216,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $185,701 | Projected |
Top-earning civil engineers (90th percentile) in Hawthorne saw their compensation grow 12.9% from $156,149 in 2019 to $176,305 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 $185,701 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Several high-demand specialties within civil engineering are particularly lucrative in Hawthorne, including structural engineering, transportation, and water resources. Senior civil engineer pay in CA varies significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, consulting firms like AECOM or Jacobs may offer higher salaries compared to local public works departments or state DOTs due to the scale and complexity of projects they undertake. Career advancement often follows clear paths, enabling engineers to grow from roles as engineers-in-training (EIT) to professional engineers (PE), and eventually to senior engineering positions or project management roles. Additionally, advanced qualifications, such as LEED AP or specialty-related certifications, can further enhance earning potential. Given the ongoing infrastructure spending boom driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the role of an experienced civil engineer in Hawthorne remains both critical and rewarding in this thriving job market.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced civil engineers make in Hawthorne in 2026?
What drives higher civil engineer pay in Hawthorne?
What certifications boost civil engineer salary in Hawthorne?
Can experienced civil engineers make six figures in Hawthorne?
How much does civil engineer salary increase over time in Hawthorne?
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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 $176,305 for civil engineers in the Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne 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