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Entry Level Civil Engineering Jobs in California

Civil Design Engineer

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

S. in Civil Engineering with 1 to 3 years' experience in civil engineering field. (Entry level also considered) * E.I.T. certification preferred. * Proficiency in computer design programs AutoCAD ...

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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 Sep 3, 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 is an entry level civil engineer?

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 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 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 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.

How to become an entry level civil engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level civil engineer with no experience, obtain a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and develop skills in design software like AutoCAD and project management. Internships or cooperative education programs can provide practical experience and improve employability. Earning a Professional Engineer (PE) license is not required at entry level but can enhance career prospects later.

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 job categories do people searching Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Civil Engineering jobs in California 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:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Civil Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,565 per year, or $34.9 per hour.

Civil Design Engineer

Tait & Associates, Inc.

Santa Ana, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago


Job description

Grade the Land, Channel the Flow — Design Tomorrow’s Infrastructures with TAIT
Why TAIT?

  • Accelerated Growth — hands-on mentorship and quick advancement
  • Impactful Projects — land development, infrastructure, sustainable design
  • Collaborative Environment — partner with architects and engineers across TAIT
  • People-First Culture — Top Workplace since 2016
  • Work-Life Balance — start accruing vacation and enjoy holidays from day one
Level up your engineering journey—join TAIT and design what’s next.
Role at a Glance
TAIT is seeking a Civil Design Engineer to support land-development projects from preliminary layout through final plan production. You’ll tackle grading, drainage analysis, street design and widening, plus water, sewer, and storm-drain systems. Day-to-day work includes Civil 3D modeling, earthwork calculations, and preparing SWMPs, drainage studies, and utility reports alongside an experienced engineering team.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Transform initial rough product design information into working construction documents using AutoCAD.
  • Use AutoCAD software to establish horizontal and vertical alignments, profiles, cross sections and perform earthwork calculations.
  • Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D in preparation of plans for drainage, precise grading, water, sewer, storm drain, street improvements and site planning for land development projects.
  • Prepare engineering drawings to specified standards.
  • Design basic construction documents and prepare special exhibits and constraint maps using field data and engineering research.
Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering with 1 to 3 years’ experience in civil engineering field. (Entry level also considered)
  • E.I.T. certification preferred.
  • Proficiency in computer design programs AutoCAD 2009 or newer, Civil 3D and Hydrology Hydraulics software.
  • Experience with commercial-retail projects a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Salary and Benefits
Salary range for position: $60,000/yr - $80,000/yr

Benefits

TAIT invests in you by providing a comprehensive compensation and benefits program along with the opportunity for professional growth and development. Our benefits package includes valuable and affordable options for health, dental, vision, employer paid life insurance, 401(k) with match, generous paid time off and other supplemental benefits. TAIT’s core value is its culture of kindness. With this, you’ll find a family-oriented environment and flexibility to manage work and life with a rewarding career. Here are some benefits you can find when you join the TAIT Team:

  • Flexible Work Schedule Options - Remote, Hybrid, In-Person
  • Medical options including PPO and HDHP with Health Savings Accounts (no extra charges for spouse or dependent coverage)
  • Dental Plans with little to no deductible
  • Vision PPO plan that’s accepted widely from local offices to large retailers
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • ID Theft Protection & Monitoring
  • Voluntary Life, Accident and Critical Illness plans
  • Dependent Care and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement plan 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off to relax and recharge with vacation, holidays, and sick time.
  • Annual memberships with Strava and Headspace for additional health and wellness benefits
  • Maternity and Paternity leave time options to care for the newest little family members
  • Support for professional growth and development.
  • Corporate Lodging Program (CLC)

______________________________________________________________

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or any other legally protected status. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the company will make reasonable accommodations to assist in the application process upon the request of an applicant. No question on this application is intended to secure information to be used for discriminatory purposes.

California Applicants - view the CA Privacy Notice here before submitting your application.

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