Civil Engineers Salary in Los Angeles, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Median annual salary $105,290 +5.7% vs national
Median hourly $50.62
10th percentile $73,850
90th percentile $170,140
Employed locally 16,390
National median $99,590

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Civil Engineers
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Los Angeles, CA
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    In Los Angeles, CA, the typical civil engineer earns a median annual salary of $105,290, which is notably higher than both the national median for civil engineers at $99,590 and the local area's median household income of $93,525. This indicates that civil engineers in this region generally earn more than the average household, reflecting their specialized skills and the demand for such professionals within the city. With a median hourly wage of $50.62, these earnings highlight the competitive financial environment for civil engineers compared to other professions in Los Angeles.

    Entry-level civil engineers in Los Angeles start at around the 10th percentile earning approximately $73,850 annually, while those with more experience can earn up to the 90th percentile, which translates to salaries of about $170,140. The disparity between entry-level and experienced workers' earnings is driven by a combination of factors including years of experience, level of education, specific skill sets, and project complexity. Experienced engineers often command higher wages due to their proven expertise, leadership capabilities in managing projects or teams, and the ability to handle more technically challenging tasks. This wage progression underscores the value placed on experience and specialized knowledge within the civil engineering field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $73,850
    25th
    $83,020
    50th (median)
    $105,290
    75th
    $134,120
    90th
    $170,140

    Los Angeles economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,525 2023 • Census ACS
    Civil Engineers salary vs area income 113% Median Civil Engineers salary is 13% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Civil Engineers make per hour in Los Angeles?

    The median hourly wage for Civil Engineers in Los Angeles, CA is $50.62, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.05 or more per hour.

    Is Los Angeles above or below average for Civil Engineers salaries?

    The median Civil Engineers salary in Los Angeles, CA is 5.7% above the national median of $99,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Civil Engineers in Los Angeles?

    Entry-level Civil Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $73,850 per year in Los Angeles, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $83,020.