Civil Engineer Salary in California
Civil Engineers in California earn an average of $112,257 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +17.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$112,257
per year
Hourly Rate
$53.97
per hour
vs National
+17.1%
$95,890 national
Salary Range
$73,029
to $162,990
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$112,257
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$79,054
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Civil Engineer's salary of $112,257 has the purchasing power of $79,054 in an average-cost area.
Civil Engineer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $133,493 | $64.18/hr | $86,219 | $194,417 | 307 |
| San Francisco, CA | $129,730 | $62.37/hr | $84,621 | $184,738 | 435 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $109,891 | $52.83/hr | $72,174 | $165,055 | 457 |
| San Diego, CA | $104,101 | $50.05/hr | $68,599 | $147,687 | 295 |
| Sacramento, CA | $99,005 | $47.60/hr | $62,547 | $148,992 | 283 |
| Riverside, CA | $97,323 | $46.79/hr | $64,014 | $137,053 | 321 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Civil Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,098 Civil Engineers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Civil Engineer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$73,029
Starting salary for new Civil Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$112,257
Mid-career Civil Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$162,990
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Civil Engineer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in California?
The average Civil Engineer salary in California is $112,257 per year ($53.97/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 17.1% above the national average of $95,890.
What is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in California, with a median salary of $133,493 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $97,323.
What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in California?
Civil Engineer salaries in California range from $73,029 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $162,990 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $112,257 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.