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Civil Engineer Starting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal Engineer

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $193K/yr

... starting 2026 - Employer Contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account upon completion of fifth ... Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) with the California State Board of ...

... starting 2026 - Employer Contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account upon completion of fifth ... Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (P.E.) with the California State Board of ...

Senior Civil Technician

Stockton, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Preparation of civil engineering construction documents, for wide variety of public infrastructure ... Starting vacation accrual is 15 days per year and enjoy 13 paid holidays. * We're invested in your ...

Project Engineer, Site Civil

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $175K/yr

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a Site Civil Project Engineer to support water and wastewater ... Starting pay range for this position depends on skills, experience, education and geographical ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Staff Engineer (ICC-ES) Civil/Structural

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL INC

Brea, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary: 

ICC-ES Senior Staff Engineers report directly to the Regional Vice-President of Engineering and perform duties of a technical and often complex nature, including determining the code compliance of building products, materials, and methods; developing ICC-ES acceptance criteria; and writing ICC-ES evaluation reports. Senior Staff Engineers work with clients and building officials, as needed, to complete evaluation of submitted technical data and produce evaluation reports. 


 Position Responsibilities:  

  • Evaluate test reports, calculations, and other technical data submitted by evaluation-report applicants. 
  • Develops technical criteria for the acceptance of innovative building products, materials, and methods that are alternatives to what may be specified in the building code. 
  • Prepares correspondence and drafts evaluation reports regarding product code compliance. 
  • Provides expert assistance to building departments throughout the United States. 
  • Participates in ICC-ES Evaluation Committee hearings. 
  • Represents ICC-ES on matters of interest at meetings of technical bodies and at meetings with representatives of government and industry. 
  • Keeps abreast of developments in the building construction field.  
  • Travels as necessary to attend conferences, meetings, speaking engagements, and other functions. 
  • Performs other tasks as directed. 

Requirements

Essential Skills and Education / Experience:   

  • A university degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on structural engineering is preferred. 
  • Professional registration/license to practice engineering, a licensed structural engineer in the state of California is preferred.  
  • Career-level proficiency in seismic design and foundation-level proficiency in structural design or product testing. 
  • At least five years of experience in the construction industry, building code development or enforcement, or product testing; or equivalent experience as determined by ICC-ES. 
  • Experience with structural design and construction methods and materials. 

Preferred indications of competence to fill the position: 

  • Basic knowledge of materials, tools, and methods used in construction. 
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with both technical and non-technical personnel. 
  • Ability to independently solve complex engineering problems. 
  • Ability to work as part of a team to deliver professional services. 
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the codes and design standards. 
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of test standards and methodologies. 
  • Ability to demonstrate knowledge of quality control processes for the manufacture of building products. 
  • Contributes to development through membership in relevant technical organizations such as ASTM, ACI, UL, etc. 
  • Contributes to development through membership on a technical committee of a standards-writing organization. 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities. 
  • Provides excellent customer service. 
  • Leads by example, establishing technical expertise. 

Physical requirements of role: 

  • Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously throughout the shift.? 
  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds regularly.? 
  • Frequent bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and reaching overhead.? 
  • Manual dexterity for handling tools, equipment, and packaging materials.? 
  • Ability to operate forklifts, pallet jacks, or other warehouse machinery (if certified).? 
  • Tolerance for working in varying temperatures, including cold storage or outdoor areas.? 
  • Must be able to climb ladders or stairs as needed.? 
  • Visual and auditory acuity to identify safety hazards and follow instructions.? 
  • Must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.? 

Disclaimer: This description is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. The company reserves the right to change or add duties to this position as business needs require.  


ICC Family of Solutions offers a competitive starting salary and comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time, health/dental/vision insurance, 401k with generous company match immediately vested, company paid basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage. Additional voluntary benefit offerings are available such as critical illness insurance, flexible spending accounts, and pet insurance.????

ICC considers its employees to be its most valuable resource and the driving force behind ongoing growth and innovation. To foster this belief, the company provides programs that encourage professional development, support advancement opportunities from within, and acknowledge outstanding achievements.?Â