EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$129,317/yr
Typical range: $111,203 – $166,627
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $95,286 | $7,941 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,705 | $9,642 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $129,317 | $10,776 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,468 | $12,206 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $187,850 | $15,654 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $220,519 | $18,377 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $228,687 | $19,057 | +140% |
Current Salary
$129,317
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $62/hr
Next Level Target
$146,468
Senior · 6
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Civil Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $129K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Civil Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $129K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $62/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Civil Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $167K–$200K/yr.