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Civil Engineer Starting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

You will own the civil engineering work that turns operating and business needs into repeatable ... What Else You Need To Know The starting cash range for this role is $175,000 - $250,000. Please ...

You will own the civil engineering work that turns operating and business needs into repeatable ... What Else You Need To Know The starting cash range for this role is $175,000 - $250,000. Please ...

Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Ventura, CA · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

Pay & Benefits Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome ... Civil Engineer - $110,836.55 - $148,522.19 Annually DOQ About the Opportunity The City of Ventura ...

Role Purpose As Manager, Civil Engineering, you will establish the civil engineering foundation of ... The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base ...

Role Purpose As Manager, Civil Engineering, you will establish the civil engineering foundation of ... The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base ...

Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Ventura, CA · On-site

$110K - $148K/yr

Pay & Benefits Whether you're starting your career journey or seeking new opportunities, we welcome ... Civil Engineer - $110,836.55 - $148,522.19 Annually DOQ About the Opportunity The City of Ventura ...

Showing results 21-40

Civil Engineer Starting information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$81.6K

$121.4K

How much do civil engineer starting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineer starting in California is $81,591.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Engineer Starting vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineer StartingCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineeringAssociate's degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, site supervisionAssisting engineers with surveys, drafting, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConsulting firms, construction companies, public works departments

While both roles support civil engineering projects, Civil Engineer Starting typically involves designing and managing projects with a bachelor's degree, whereas Civil Engineering Technicians focus on technical support tasks with an associate's degree. Both roles are essential in the civil engineering industry, often working closely together on infrastructure projects.

How much do civil engineers make to start?

Starting civil engineers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $70,000, depending on location, education, and industry. Entry-level positions often require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and may include internships or co-op experience to enhance job prospects.

How to become a civil engineer with no experience?

To become a civil engineer with no experience, pursue a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and consider internships or entry-level positions to gain practical skills. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT), can also improve job prospects and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

What can I do to get started with civil engineering?

To get started as a civil engineer, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and develop skills in design, mathematics, and project management. Gaining internship experience and earning relevant certifications, such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT), can also help establish a foundation for a career in civil engineering.

What cities in California are hiring for Civil Engineer Starting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Civil Engineer Starting job openings:

Infographic showing various Civil Engineer Starting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,591 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Mid-Level Civil/Environmental Engineer

Carollo Engineers Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Carollo Engineers is a leading engineering firm dedicated exclusively to water. For over 90 years, we've specialized in the planning, design, and construction of water, wastewater, stormwater, and reuse facilities, bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the water sector's most complex challenges.

We work with water agencies, municipalities, utilities, research organizations, and private companies across various industries, including technology, manufacturing, and beyond. These clients choose Carollo because we employ some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the world. When you join our team, you'll work alongside industry leaders who are advancing the science of water, protecting public health, and building resilient communities.

Carollo's vision is to be the best water consulting firm and the best place for you to build your career. If you're passionate about making a difference in this critical field, we invite you to explore a career with Carollo.


  • Performing civil engineering work in water and wastewater treatment facilities and conveyance infrastructure, focused on site design project components including site layout, yard piping, roadways, paving and grading, and stormwater infrastructure.
  • Work on engineering planning and design projects and performs conceptual and preliminary design activities including site visits, overseeing fieldwork, alternatives analysis, and report preparation.
  • Develop civil engineering plans and specifications.
  • Prepare cost estimates for various water and wastewater projects.
  • Prepares technical memoranda, reports, and electronic deliverables.
  • Assist with coordinating sub-consultant work.
  • Coordinate the work of other engineering disciplines, designers, modelers, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments.
  • Review contractor submittals for conformance with contract plans and specifications and evaluate requests for information as part of engineering services during construction.
  • Participate in field activities such as pilot testing.
  • Permitting and alternative analysis.
  • Assists project managers with permitting submittals for treatment facilities and infrastructure projects including coordination with various governmental agencies.
  • Participates in field activities and site reconnaissance.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
  • 6 to 12 years of directly relevant experience in water and wastewater engineering.
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer.
  • Application of engineering principles including critical thinking, analysis, and innovative techniques.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with clients and project teams.
  • Work well in a team environment.
  • Highly motivated, articulate, and self-starting.

  • Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
  • Knowledge of project scheduling software.
  • Active in professional associations.

$100,000 to $130,000 annually. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.


Carollo is committed to providing employees with a competitive, comprehensive benefits program that provides the support employees and their families need to lead healthy, productive lives. Carollo’s benefits package includes paid time off and holidays, comprehensive health insurance coverage, pre-tax savings account options for healthcare, dependent care and commuter expenses, disability insurance and life insurance options for you and your dependents. We also offer free Caregiver Support, Travel Assistance, counseling services, discount programs, and a Lifestyle Reimbursement Account. Other compensation that may be available includes: 401(k) company contribution matching, tuition reimbursement, discretionary bonuses, career advancement bonuses, professional registration bonuses, employee referral bonuses, and compensatory time for exempt employees. Flexible work arrangements may also be available.  Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment status.

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