Average Civil Engineers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Civil Engineers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $116,920, significantly surpassing the national average of $106,590. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust infrastructure demands, complex urban planning needs, and the high cost of specialized engineering talent required to manage large-scale projects within this major metropolitan hub.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $116,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $170,140.
- Outlook: The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area demonstrates a strong and stable job market for Civil Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 16,390 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.15, the concentration of Civil Engineers here is slightly above the national average, indicating consistent demand and a healthy presence of engineering firms actively seeking skilled professionals for ongoing and future development projects.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+9.7%above the national average.
$56.2
$2,248
$9,743
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in Los Angeles have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing project complexity, and a persistent demand for infrastructure development likely contribute to an upward trajectory in compensation for these vital professionals.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
The career path for Civil Engineers in Los Angeles offers significant earning potential that scales with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These increasing salary ranges reflect the growing responsibility, expertise, and value that senior engineers bring to complex projects.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $73,850 | $35.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $87,690 | $42.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $105,290 | $50.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $146,150 | $70.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $170,140 | $81.8 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$116,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$116,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
For Civil Engineers considering a move to Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, the nominal average salary of $116,920 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the gross salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for relocating professionals.
Job Market Context
16,390
Total Jobs
2.643
Per 1K Jobs
1.15
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.15, Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.15 signifies that Civil Engineers are more concentrated in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area than the national average. This suggests a robust and active job market with a good number of opportunities available, indicating that employers are actively seeking and employing Civil Engineers at a rate slightly higher than in other parts of the country.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA Civil Engineers Salary | $117,200↑ 0% | 49 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Civil Engineers Salary | $117,750↑ 1% | 55 mi |
Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $116,920. This typically ranges from $73,850 for entry-level positions to $170,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 9.7% higher than the national median of $106,590.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it is a lucrative place for Civil Engineers.Civil Engineers in this region earn a notable $116,920 annually, exceeding the national average, while the cost of living remains at the national average, offering strong earning potential.
Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($117,200) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.
How does the number of Civil Engineers in Los Angeles compare to the national average?
With a total local workforce of 16,390 Civil Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.15, the concentration of these professionals in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a strong presence in the region.
What is the average number of Civil Engineer jobs per 1,000 workers in Los Angeles?
In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area, there are approximately 2.643 Civil Engineer jobs for every 1,000 workers, reflecting a healthy demand for the profession.
Does experience significantly impact a Civil Engineer's salary in Los Angeles?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression. As Civil Engineers gain more experience and move into senior roles, their earning potential increases substantially, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced skills and responsibilities.
How does the Los Angeles Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average salary?
The average annual salary for Civil Engineers in Los Angeles ($116,920) is approximately 9.7% higher than the national average salary ($106,590), indicating a more competitive compensation landscape in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,390 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 2.643 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA