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Caltrans Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA

$105K - $134K/yr

The Resident Engineer coordinates with Caltrans Inspectors to determine appropriate priorities for testing and inspection of work quality based on contractor-proposed order of work for the shift.

HDR

Resident Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$105K - $134K/yr

The Resident Engineer coordinates with Caltrans Inspectors to determine appropriate priorities for testing and inspection of work quality based on contractor-proposed order of work for the shift.

HDR

Construction Field Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role involves contract administration support, construction engineering, and coordinating with contractors, coordinating with stakeholders (LAWA, Caltrans and City of LA Departments ...

HDR

Construction Field Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role involves contract administration support, construction engineering, and coordinating with contractors, coordinating with stakeholders (LAWA, Caltrans and City of LA Departments ...

GHD

Transportation Engineer Team Lead

Irvine, CA · On-site

$123K - $205K/yr

Apply sound engineering judgment and commercial acumen to proactively identify risks, resolve ... Strengthen and expand relationships with Caltrans, local agencies, and other key transportation ...

Department of Transportation

Duty Senior

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$11K - $14K/mo

SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER, CALTRANS $11,437.00 - $14,315.00 New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable ...

Department of Transportation

TSIP Support

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$6.4K - $12K/mo

T he Caltrans Transportation Engineer (Civil) Rotation Program is a mandatory 24 month to 33 months rotation assignment for all permanent, full-time Transportation Engineer (Civil) employees that ...

UNICO Engineering

Construction Engineer

Concord, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

UNICO Engineering provides high-quality Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Systems ... Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of ...

UNICO Engineering

Construction Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of ... Certified as an Engineer-in-Training, AND BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural ...

UNICO Engineering

Construction Engineer

Chico, CA · On-site

$83K - $135K/yr

Must understand the Caltrans Process, and Caltrans and local agency standards. Type of ... Certified as an Engineer-in-Training, AND BS in Construction Management, Civil, or Structural ...

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All JobsCaltrans Engineer Jobs

Caltrans Engineer information

See salary details

$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do caltrans engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for caltrans engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Caltrans Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Caltrans Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, a bachelor's degree in engineering, and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, transportation design tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in team settings and coordinate with various stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and compliant infrastructure projects that meet California’s transportation needs.

What types of projects do Caltrans Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other departments?

Caltrans Engineers are involved in a wide range of transportation projects, including highway design, bridge construction, traffic operations, and maintenance. They frequently collaborate with planners, environmental specialists, contractors, and local government agencies to ensure projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as engineers often participate in multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate with various stakeholders to address technical challenges and deliver solutions on time and within budget.

How much does a Caltrans Engineer make?

A Caltrans Engineer's salary varies based on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $120,000 annually. Entry-level engineers usually start around $70,000, while experienced engineers with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of transportation systems, engineering principles, and state-specific regulations.

Is it hard to get hired by Caltrans?

Getting hired as a Caltrans engineer can be competitive due to the agency's rigorous hiring process, which includes exams, interviews, and background checks. Candidates often need relevant education, technical skills, and experience in transportation or civil engineering to improve their chances.

What jobs make 500,000 a year?

High-level executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite executives often earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in large corporations. Certain specialized medical professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and top-tier lawyers can also reach this income level, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills, and significant responsibilities.

What are Caltrans Engineers?

Caltrans Engineers are professionals who work for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the state's transportation systems. They work on projects such as highways, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability. These engineers may specialize in various fields, including civil, structural, transportation, or environmental engineering, and play a critical role in keeping California's transportation network operational and up to date.

What is the difference between Caltrans Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCaltrans EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, Caltrans-specific certificationsEngineering degree, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentState agency, transportation projectsPrivate/public sector, various infrastructure projects
Employer & IndustryCalifornia Department of TransportationConstruction firms, consulting firms, government agencies

Caltrans Engineers primarily work on transportation infrastructure within the California Department of Transportation, focusing on state highway projects. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects across multiple sectors. While both roles require engineering credentials, Caltrans Engineers often need specific state certifications and work within a government transportation context, whereas Civil Engineers may work in diverse environments and industries.

What jobs pay $6,000 a month in California?

A Caltrans Engineer can earn around $6,000 or more per month, depending on experience, education, and seniority. These civil engineering roles often require a bachelor's degree in engineering, a Professional Engineer license, and familiarity with transportation systems and project management. Salaries vary by location, level, and workload, but experienced engineers in California frequently reach or exceed this monthly income.
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Caltrans Engineer jobs near you

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer

The Misch Group

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Heavy Civil Construction Engineer
Department: Construction, Engineering, & Skilled Trades
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: California
Compensation: $200,000 - $225,000 / year
Description
Job Description
Title Heavy Civil Construction Engineer
Location Anaheim / Orange County, California
Compensation $200,000 target base, with flexibility up to $225,000 for the right candidate
About the Opportunity Our client is a family-owned heavy civil contractor in Southern California with a long-tenured team and a strong reputation in public infrastructure. The company delivers complex public works projects built to Caltrans specifications and is known for stability, low turnover, and a practical field-oriented culture.
Typical project types include:
  • Bridge construction
  • Freeway widening
  • Retaining walls
  • Pump stations
  • Large structural concrete infrastructure
  • Seismic-resistant public works projects

Position Summary This role is ideal for a contractor-side heavy civil professional who understands how to execute Caltrans-driven public works projects from both a field and financial perspective. The right person will bring strong experience in project execution, budgeting, crew leadership, and day-to-day coordination on large infrastructure work.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead or support execution of heavy civil and public works projects built to Caltrans standards
  • Manage project budgets, cost tracking, forecasting, and overall financial performance
  • Oversee field operations and help drive safe, efficient project delivery
  • Coordinate crews, subcontractors, schedules, and project resources
  • Support project planning, documentation, change management, and client coordination
  • Help ensure compliance with contract documents, specifications, quality standards, and public agency requirements

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required Background
  • 10+ years of construction experience
  • Experience working for a contractor, not a design or consulting organization
  • Strong background in heavy civil or public works construction
  • Caltrans specification experience
  • Budget ownership or meaningful project financial responsibility
  • Crew management and field operations exposure
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
  • Clean driving record preferred due to company vehicle eligibility

Preferred Project Experience
  • Bridges
  • Freeway widening or highway work
  • Retaining walls
  • Pump stations
  • Large concrete structures
  • Seismic or transportation infrastructure

Preferred Titles / Profile Strong candidates may come from backgrounds such as:
  • Project Engineer
  • Senior Project Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Contractor-side Resident Engineer

Candidates from major or well-regarded infrastructure contractors are especially relevant, particularly those with direct Caltrans project execution experience.
Benefits
Benefits
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance for the employee
  • 50% family health coverage
  • 401(k)
  • Profit-sharing plan
  • Company vehicle

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