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Civil Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$130,310
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$79,558
Starting salary
Senior Level
$178,319
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$79,558$130,310$178,319
Monthly$6,630$10,859$14,860
Biweekly$3,060$5,012$6,858
Weekly$1,530$2,506$3,429
Hourly$38$63$86

Sacramento vs National Average

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

Sacramento Salary
$130,310
COL Index: 141
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,560
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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
-19%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
-19%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
-23%
Houston, TX
$98,690
-24%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Sacramento, CA is $130,310 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level civil engineer professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $79,558 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $178,319 per year. This represents a 124% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 18.0% 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 Sacramento, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.