Salary distribution
Where San Francisco civil engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $100,790 and $161,790, with a median of $126,560.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- 02
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- 03
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- 04
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- 05
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- 06
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- 07
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
- 08
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for civil engineers.
- Sacramento$130,310
- San Jose$129,260
- Riverside$109,250
- San Diego$106,350
- Los Angeles$105,290
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Civil Engineers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $126,560.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Civil Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +6.8% versus the California state median of $118,450.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +31.6% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
- What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $85,960 and the 90th-percentile at $199,010 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Civil Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.