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Entry Level Civil Engineering Jobs in California

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Entry Level Civil Engineering information

See California salary details

$40K

$72.6K

$119.4K

How much do entry level civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level civil engineering 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Civil Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Civil Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, and proficiency in mathematics and physics. Familiarity with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and other design software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help differentiate candidates in collaborative and project-driven environments. These abilities ensure the effective design, analysis, and execution of infrastructure projects while meeting safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level civil engineer?

As an entry-level civil engineer, you can expect to be involved in a range of tasks such as assisting with site inspections, preparing drawings and reports, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting senior engineers with project planning. Typical projects may include transportation systems, water resources, environmental remediation, or structural designs. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, surveyors, and construction managers, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle. This hands-on experience helps build a strong foundation for future specialization and career advancement.

What are entry level civil engineers?

Entry level civil engineers are recent graduates or individuals with minimal professional experience who support the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, assisting with tasks like drafting plans, conducting site inspections, and performing calculations. Entry level civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring that projects meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

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

AspectEntry Level Civil EngineeringCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, project management, often in office settingsFieldwork, site inspections, assisting engineers on construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting firms, government departments

Entry Level Civil Engineering roles typically require a bachelor's degree and focus on design and planning tasks, while Civil Engineering Technicians usually hold an associate degree and assist with fieldwork and technical support. Both roles are essential in civil projects but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in California? For Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings:
Entry level Civil Engineer - Solid Waste

Entry level Civil Engineer - Solid Waste

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Gold River, CA โ€ข On-site

$72K - $81K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Entry level Civil Engineer - Solid Waste
Job Locations US-CA-Gold River
Category Waste Management
Type Full-Time
Overview

As a Civil Engineer for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc (CEC), in our Sacramento, CA office you'll work on civil and environmental engineering projects primarily associated with solid waste facilities. These projects will involve completing engineering tasks such as airspace, excavation, and fill volume calculations, preparation, review and compilation of technical reports, stormwater management system design, landfill grading, leachate and landfill gas collection system design. In addition, you may work on compost facility and transfer station, permitting, design and construction. You will also assist with field work, Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) including soils and geosynthetic construction, monitoring and testing for landfill cell and cap construction and environmental monitoring of landfill facilities. You will be interacting with CEC office and field staff, clients and contractors. Your effort will be part of the overall completion of landfill design, construction and certification projects. Field work assignments may be up to 4 to 6 months in duration or as short as a single day depending. Most field work is located within California but projects are available nationwide.

The pay range for this position is between $72,000 and $81,000 (in addition, CEC offers overtime pay and other great benefits). The hiring range posted is a good faith estimate of what Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. may reasonably offer for the role as outlined. Factors such as additional education and/or experience may influence the actual offering.

Qualifications
    B.S. in Civil or Environmental Engineering, or related field
  • 0-2 years' professional engineering experience
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to take direction and complete assigned tasks
  • EIT (Engineer in Training) certification preferred
  • Experience with AutoCAD/Civil 3D
About Us

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!


We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.