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Average Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary in California

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California earn an impressive average annual salary of $84,480, significantly outpacing the national average of $68,710. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust infrastructure development needs and the higher cost of living inherent to the state, necessitating competitive pay to attract and retain skilled professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $84,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $114,670.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 6,650 individuals, California demonstrates a significant presence of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians. The location quotient of 0.91 suggests a market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration, indicating a stable and consistent demand for these roles within the state's dynamic construction and engineering sectors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$84,480

The average Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California earns+23.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$40.6

Weekly

$1,625

Monthly

$7,040

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive project experience and advanced certifications can expect to earn significantly more, often reaching into the upper percentiles, reflecting their increased expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$53,460$25.7
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$63,360$30.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$81,240$39.1
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$105,600$50.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$114,670$55.1

Detailed Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$84,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$60,996

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average annual salary of $84,480 in California appears substantial, it must be considered within the context of the state's high Cost of Living Index of 138.5. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably less than the national average, requiring careful budgeting and financial planning for individuals considering relocation or residing in the state.

Job Market Context

6,650

Total Jobs

0.368

Per 1K Jobs

0.91

Location Quotient

Below Average

California has 0.91x the national average concentration of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A location quotient of 0.91 indicates that Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians are employed in California at a rate very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market where the supply of professionals aligns reasonably well with the demand, without significant oversupply or undersupply, contributing to a stable employment landscape for these specialists.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicianss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians make in California?

The median annual salary for a Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California is $84,480. This typically ranges from $53,460 for entry-level positions to $114,670 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 23.0% higher than the national median of $68,710.

Is California a lucrative place for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicianss?

Yes, but with caveats.California offers a higher average salary for these professionals compared to the national average. However, the significantly higher cost of living means that the real value of this salary requires careful consideration.

Is California a good place to live for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($70,370) and Fresno, CA.

What is the average salary for a Civil Engineering Technologist in California?

The average annual salary for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California is $84,480.

How does California's salary for this role compare to the national average?

California's average salary of $84,480 is substantially higher than the national average of $68,710.

What is the concentration of Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians in California?

California has a location quotient of 0.91 for this profession, indicating a concentration very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in California affect the salary for Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, the higher nominal salary in California has reduced purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,650 employees in the California area with a job density of 0.368 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.