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Civil Engineer Salary in Brea, CA

How much does a civil engineer make in Brea? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Brea's cost of living.

Median Salary
$194,880
per year in Brea
Entry Level
$118,980
Starting salary
Senior Level
$266,678
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
140
40% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how civil engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Brea.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$118,980$194,880$266,678
Monthly$9,915$16,240$22,223
Biweekly$4,576$7,495$10,257
Weekly$2,288$3,748$5,128
Hourly$57$94$128

Brea vs National Average

How Brea's civil engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Brea Salary
$194,880
COL Index: 140
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$86,130
Higher in Brea

Cost of Living in Brea

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$82,234
per year
Population
48,210
residents
Rent % of Income
27.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 140 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Brea have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
-46%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-46%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-49%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-49%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-51%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Civil Engineer Salary in Brea, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Brea, CA is $194,880 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 140. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Brea's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Brea can expect to earn around $118,980 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $266,678 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Brea's cost of living index of 140 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Brea are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Brea typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 11.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Brea, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.