Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for Civil Engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $69,000 (entry-level) to $170,000 (senior). Median: $106,000.
Median (Mid)
$106,000
$50.96/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $106,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$170,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $69,000 | $81,000 | $94,000 | $38.94/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $90,000 | $106,000 | $126,000 | $50.96/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $121,000 | $144,000 | $170,000 | $69.23/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level civil engineer earning $106,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $71,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Civil Engineer Salaries in Los Angeles
The median civil engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $106,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level civil engineers in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $69,000 and $94,000 (about $38.94/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $170,000 ($170K annually, or about $81.73/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Los Angeles?+
The average Civil Engineer salary in Los Angeles is $106,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $81,000 and senior-level pay reaches $144,000.
How much does an entry-level civil engineer make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level civil engineers in Los Angeles earn between $69,000 and $94,000, with a median of $81,000 per year (about $38.94/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Civil Engineer in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Civil Engineer in Los Angeles earns roughly $38.94/hour at entry-level, $50.96/hour at mid-level, and $69.23/hour at senior-level.
Is the Civil Engineer salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Yes — Civil Engineer salaries in Los Angeles are about 0% higher than the US national median of $106,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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