SalaryNode

Average Civil Engineers Salary in Modesto, CA

Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA, command an impressive average annual salary of $113,440, surpassing the national average of $106,590. This elevated compensation reflects the specific demands and economic drivers within the Modesto region, potentially influenced by local infrastructure projects and the specialized skill set required for engineering roles in California.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $113,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $169,400.
  • Outlook: The Modesto job market for Civil Engineers, while not exceptionally concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.67, still presents a stable environment with 300 professionals. The presence of 1.552 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for these essential services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$113,440

The average Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA earns+6.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$54.5

Weekly

$2,182

Monthly

$9,453

Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Modesto, CA

Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and project management skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the substantial career growth and increased earning potential available as engineers advance.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$72,890$35
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$85,080$40.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$103,040$49.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$141,800$68.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$169,400$81.4

Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$113,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$113,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Civil Engineers considering a move to Modesto, CA, the nominal salary of $113,440 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Modesto is equivalent to the national average, suggesting a balanced financial landscape where income effectively meets expenses.

Job Market Context

300

Total Jobs

1.552

Per 1K Jobs

0.67

Location Quotient

Below Average

Modesto, CA has 0.67x the national average concentration of Civil Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

With a Location Quotient of 0.67, Modesto, CA, has a slightly lower concentration of Civil Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and valued, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled engineers seeking employment without facing extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Stockton-Lodi, CA Civil Engineers Salary$114,680↑ 1%29 mi
Merced, CA Civil Engineers Salary$106,630↓ 6%37 mi
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Civil Engineers Salary$138,030↑ 22%53 mi
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Civil Engineers Salary$128,770↑ 14%69 mi
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA Civil Engineers Salary$118,540↑ 4%73 mi

Comparing salaries near Modesto, CA

Hiring Civil Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Civil Engineers make in Modesto, CA?

The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA is $113,440. This typically ranges from $72,890 for entry-level positions to $169,400 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Modesto, CA is 6.4% higher than the national median of $106,590.

Is Modesto, CA a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?

Yes, Modesto, CA offers a lucrative environment for Civil Engineers.Civil Engineers in Modesto earn above the national average salary, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.

Is Modesto, CA a good place to live for Civil Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Modesto, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Stockton-Lodi, CA ($114,680) and Merced, CA.

How does Modesto's Civil Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA, earn an average of $113,440 annually, which is higher than the national average of $106,590.

What is the cost of living in Modesto, CA for Civil Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Modesto, CA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary will have average purchasing power.

Is there high demand for Civil Engineers in Modesto, CA?

With 1.552 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 300 Civil Engineers, the demand is consistent but not exceptionally high compared to national concentration levels.

How does the concentration of Civil Engineers in Modesto compare nationally?

Modesto has a Location Quotient of 0.67 for Civil Engineers, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Modesto, CA area with a job density of 1.552 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Modesto, CA