Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Boise, ID: $64,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,301 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,684) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the civil engineering field in Boise, Idaho, can expect an entry-level civil engineer salary around $64,138. Although this figure represents the lower end of the salary range, it offers a starting point from which early-career professionals can expect to grow. As they gain experience and establish themselves within the industry, salaries may rise to the 25th percentile of $77,460 and even approach the median of $103,684 over the first few years. This progression reflects the strong demand for civil engineers in Boise, particularly spurred by the ongoing infrastructure initiatives supported by federal funding. For new grads, this relatively healthy job market provides a solid foundation to launch their careers compared to the national median salary of $103,492.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boise
Entry-level civil engineers in Boise, ID typically start between $64,138 and $77,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $96,572 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,684 — 0.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in Idaho of $45,000 represents just 70.16% of the starting civil engineer pay ($64,138/year) in Boise. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate civil engineering programs at public and private universities. Licensure (FE after graduation, PE after 4 years experience) adds exam fees. Many engineers pursue master's degrees (MS or MEng).
CE, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Boise
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $64,138 to $77,460, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the civil engineering field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Boise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Boise is $96,572 ( 150.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,710.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,717
2025 BLS Actual
$62,494
2026 Current Est.
$64,138
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,717 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,431 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,897 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,494 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,824 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,717 in 2019 to $62,494 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,824. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.63% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your civil engineering Career in Boise
Employers actively seeking new civil engineers in Boise include reputable consulting firms such as AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which typically have structured training programs for recent graduates. State and federal agencies, like the US Army Corps of Engineers, also provide robust career tracks that include long-term benefits. Construction companies, including Bechtel and Fluor, hire entry-level engineers for field positions that offer hands-on experience. To enhance starting pay in Idaho, new grads should aim for a degree from an ABET-accredited program and consider taking the FE exam during their senior year to achieve the EIT designation. In the first few years, early-career professionals can realistically expect their salaries to increase as they work toward obtaining the PE license, with opportunities for specialization and further credentials such as LEED AP. Engaging with organizations like NSPE can also provide critical networking benefits in a competitive job market driven by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new civil engineering graduates. A 2.63% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Boise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.63%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for civil engineers (SOC 17-2051).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov