EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$165,623/yr
Typical range: $142,424 – $213,408
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Civil Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Civil Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $122,038 | $10,170 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $148,189 | $12,349 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $165,623 | $13,802 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $187,590 | $15,633 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $240,589 | $20,049 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $282,431 | $23,536 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $292,891 | $24,408 | +140% |
Current Salary
$165,623
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $80/hr
Next Level Target
$187,590
Senior · 6
+$22Kpotential 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 San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Civil Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $166K 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 San Francisco, CA?
Based on $166K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $80/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Civil Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Civil Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $213K–$256K/yr.