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Pavement Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pave

Software Engineer - Core Platform

San Francisco, CA

$166K - $225K/yr

Core Platform @ Pave The Core Platform team sits at the center of Pave Engineering, bridging product and platform engineering. We build the foundational services, APIs, and abstractions that enable ...

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All JobsPavement Engineer JobsPavement Engineer Jobs in California

Pavement Engineer information

See California salary details

$38.5K

$100.4K

$135.7K

How much do pavement engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for pavement engineer in California is $100,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pavement Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPavement EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, specialized training in pavementsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, broader engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentFocus on pavement design, testing, and maintenanceWide range including infrastructure, transportation, and construction projects
Industry UsageSpecialized in transportation infrastructure and pavement systemsUsed across various civil infrastructure projects

While both roles require a background in civil engineering, Pavement Engineers specialize in pavement design, testing, and maintenance, focusing on transportation infrastructure. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects beyond pavements. The two roles often overlap but differ in specialization and daily responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pavement Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pavement Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, materials science, and pavement design, usually supported by a degree in civil engineering and relevant licensure (such as a Professional Engineer, PE, certification). Familiarity with pavement design software (e.g., AASHTOWare), AutoCAD, GIS systems, and understanding of construction standards are typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure the development of safe, durable, and cost-effective pavement solutions that meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

What does a Pavement Engineer do?

A Pavement Engineer specializes in the design, construction, maintenance, and evaluation of pavement systems such as roads, highways, and airport runways. They analyze traffic loads, material properties, and environmental conditions to recommend the most suitable materials and construction techniques. Their work helps ensure pavement structures are durable, safe, and cost-effective over their lifespan. Pavement Engineers may also be involved in assessing existing pavements and recommending repair or rehabilitation methods.

What are some common challenges Pavement Engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Pavement Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing project timelines, and adapting designs based on site-specific geotechnical conditions. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with evolving regulations and balance cost constraints with long-term pavement performance. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are critical, as unexpected issues like weather delays or material shortages can require quick, informed decisions to keep projects on track.
What are the most commonly searched types of Pavement Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Pavement Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Pavement Engineer jobs in California? For Pavement Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pavement Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pavement Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pavement Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Pavement Engineer job openings:
Pavement Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pavement Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,420 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Staff Pavement Engineer I

NICHOLS CONSULTING ENGINEERS CHTD

Richmond, CA • On-site

$73K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

NCE is looking for civil engineers ready to join our talented and diverse pavement group in our Bay Area offices. Our team works with many cities and counties throughout California designing improvements and managing their street and road networks. We also consult at major airports, ports, and state highway agencies, so our work covers a broad range of projects. Our goal is to provide superior consulting services, resulting in highly satisfied clients and staff that continue to grow.

On a day-to-day basis, the Staff Pavement Engineer plays a vital role, gaining hands on experience in both field and office settings while assisting senior staff on a variety of projects. This can include evaluating pavement conditions, assisting field crews with materials sampling, collecting non-pavement assets, identifying and marking pavement repair and coring locations, producing pavement designs, and assisting with reports. Our group has a considerable wealth of experience and education, and we are constantly mentoring junior staff toward career growth and professional licensing.

At NCE, a Staff Pavement Engineer is encouraged and supported to innovate, investigate, discover, and learn. NCE fosters a collaborative work environment and provides avenues that encourage sharing knowledge, experiences, and new and creative ideas. A Staff Pavement Engineer is able to grow their skillset through a variety of experiences to advance their career.

The selected candidate will be willing to learn and assume technical responsibilities, travel, and demonstrate initiative and persistence. With training, the candidate will be able to perform the following key job responsibilities, including:

  • Performing fieldwork, including surveying pavement conditions, collecting non-pavement asset data, and marking core and repair locations.
  • Extracting non-pavement assets from 360° imagery.
  • Assisting with pavement design reports and field reports.
  • Assisting with pavement management update reports utilizing StreetSaver and Paver pavement management software.
  • Running pavement design programs, utilizing multiple designs and methods, such as Caltrans and AASHTO.

Qualifications (Must Have):

  • B.S. in Civil Engineering with up to 3 years of experience, or M.S.
  • Ability to work in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento region.
  • Basic knowledge of and interest in pavement engineering, including design, materials, and management. Field and/or lab experience is beneficial.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office. Knowledge of ArcGIS is helpful.
  • Strong written and communication skills.
  • EIT and ability to obtain CA PE License.

Qualifications (Nice to Have):

  • Taken courses in pavement engineering, pavement materials (asphalt and concrete), and pavement management
  • Pavement management work: 1 year (Preferred but not required)
  • Surveying pavement conditions: 1 year (Preferred but not required)

Working Conditions: May require field work (e.g., construction equipment and sites, roadway, drilling coring rigs, occasional remote locations, airports, and ports).

Salary range: $73,000 to $90,000 depending on experience