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Civil Engineering Entry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TRC Companies, Inc.

Civil Engineering Intern

Irvine, CA · On-site

$19 - $28/hr

Perform data entry, data management, data evaluation, and data presentation * Support the ... Pursuing Bachelor or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering or related field * Minimum GPA of 3.0

City of Oxnard, CA

Public Works Civil Engineer

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

Minimum Qualifications The following are the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into each classification: EDUCATION: * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field EXPERIENCE

RailPros

Senior Civil Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

RailPros is the premier provider of engineering and diversified safety services to America's rail ... Experience in Right of Entry permit processing * Engaged in life-long learning to maintain ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCivil Engineering Entry JobsCivil Engineering Entry Jobs in California

Civil Engineering Entry information

See California salary details

$40K

$72.6K

$119.4K

How much do civil engineering entry jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering entry in California is $72,565.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $87,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 seek internships or entry-level positions to gain practical skills. Obtaining professional engineering licensure typically requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining relevant work experience, which can be built through apprenticeships or cooperative education programs.

What is an entry-level civil engineer?

An entry-level civil engineer is a professional who has recently graduated or has limited work experience in civil engineering. They typically assist with project design, site inspections, and data analysis, often using tools like AutoCAD and adhering to safety standards. Certification such as Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam may be required or beneficial for starting their career.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level civil engineers, and how can they best prepare for them?

Entry-level civil engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to project management tools, understanding regulatory requirements, and effectively communicating with multidisciplinary teams. They may also need to quickly develop problem-solving skills to address site-specific issues or adapt to unexpected changes in project scope. To prepare, candidates should focus on strengthening their technical foundation, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and proactively engage in team meetings to build confidence and familiarity with industry practices.

What are civil engineering entry-level jobs?

Civil engineering entry-level jobs are positions for recent graduates or those new to the field, typically involving assisting in the design, planning, and supervision of construction projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. These roles often include tasks like preparing reports, conducting site inspections, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and supporting senior engineers. Entry-level civil engineers gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills while working under the guidance of more experienced professionals, laying the foundation for future career advancement.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

While most civil engineers earn less than $500,000 annually, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working on large infrastructure projects can reach or exceed this income level, especially with bonuses or profit-sharing. High earnings are typically associated with managerial roles, consulting, or working in high-cost regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Civil Engineering Entry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Entry, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, mathematics, and design, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other design or project management software, as well as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) certification, is highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate on teams and address project challenges. These competencies ensure quality, safety, and efficiency in designing and executing infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Entry vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineering EntryCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, site supervisionAssisting engineers with drafting, surveying, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesEngineering firms, construction companies, consulting firms

While both roles support civil engineering projects, Civil Engineering Entry typically involves a bachelor's degree and focuses on design and project management, whereas Civil Engineering Technicians usually hold an associate degree and assist engineers with technical tasks like drafting and surveying.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software or data engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Entry jobs in California? For Civil Engineering Entry jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineering Entry jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineering Entry jobs in California are:
Civil Engineering Entry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Entry job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,565 per year, or $34.9 per hour.
Civil Engineering | Engineer

Civil Engineering | Engineer

RRM Design Group

San Leandro, CA

$36.75 - $45.75/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

Join the vibrant team at RRM Design Group - a powerhouse of innovation and creativity! As a 100% employee-owned company, we're not just a firm; we're a community of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, and surveyors. Throughout California, we undertake projects from conception to realization, resulting in authentic, innovative, and timeless designs that strive to make a lasting and positive impact on those who encounter them.
In our Civil Engineering department, adventure awaits as we tackle an exhilarating array of projects in land development. From building essential infrastructure to crafting breathtaking parks and trails, our team pushes boundaries and sparks change. Plus, you'll have the chance to work alongside brilliant minds across different disciplines, fostering innovation and unleashing your full potential.
Ready to embark on an exciting journey? Join us now as we seek entry to upper-level civil engineers to be part of our dynamic team. Let's create something extraordinary together!

Requirements

What you'll bring to the table:

Entry Level: Engineer I - Engineer II

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 1 -3 years

Mid to Upper Level: Project Engineers - Project Managers

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Work experience in Civil 3D.
  • 5 -10 years
  • A valid California PE license is strongly preferred. Alternatively, candidates who have passed the national portion of the exam and are actively pursuing the CA portion are also encouraged to apply.


Above & Beyond:

Some work experience in architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, or planning firm.

We're eager to learn more about your qualifications and interest in joining our team!


*Psst...at RRM, we recognize that factors such as imposter syndrome or the confidence gap may deter some applicants from applying. However, we encourage you to apply anyways, as we recognize these restraints do not reflect an applicant's abilities, and we don't want them to get in the way of us meeting potential RRMers!


ABOUT US:


Ensuring the health and happiness of our RRMers is paramount to how we run our business. RRM Design Group is a 100% employee-owned multidiscipline design firm with a full spectrum of services including architecture, landscape architecture, planning, civil and structural engineering, and surveying. Our offices are located along the California coast from Orange County to the Bay Area. Over one-third of our workforce has been with us for a decade or more and we work on engaging projects in several diverse markets throughout the state.


We value the diversity of intersecting identities and strive to maintain an environment that is equitable, respectful, and inclusive. We expect our work environments to be places of diverse engagement and informed discourse. Ultimately, we acknowledge that our standards of excellence as a multidiscipline design firm are not separate from the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.


COMPENSATION: The hiring ranges below depend on skills and experience.

Engineer I - $36.75 -$40.88 per hour.

Engineer II: $41.00 - $45.75 per hour.

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