Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Merrimack, NH: $72,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Merrimack, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Merrimack's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,274 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,228) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the civil engineering field in Merrimack, New Hampshire, can expect an entry-level salary around $72,185 in 2026. While this figure reflects the starting point for many new engineers, the median annual salary for civil engineers in the city is projected to be $108,228. This indicates a significant gap that entry-level professionals will need to bridge over their first few years. Around this point, salaries are expected to appreciate, with many graduates transitioning to salaries in the vicinity of $83,911 within a few years and aiming toward the median as they gain experience. In relation to the national average, entry-level pay in Merrimack exceeds the national median of $103,492, suggesting that the local market is favorable for civil engineering graduates seeking their first positions.
About the Merrimack Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Merrimack
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 Merrimack
Entry-level civil engineers in Merrimack, NH typically start between $72,185 and $83,911 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,228 — 4.58% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New Hampshire of $72,000 represents just 99.74% of the starting civil engineer pay ($72,185/year) in Merrimack. 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 Merrimack
- 1Research the Merrimack market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $72,185 to $83,911, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Merrimack, 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 Merrimack for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Merrimack'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 Merrimack is $94,606 ( 131.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $166,791.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,080
2025 BLS Actual
$70,335
2026 Current Est.
$72,185
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Merrimack (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,080 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,884 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,409 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,161 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,746 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,335 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,083 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Merrimack, NH grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,080 in 2019 to $70,335 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,083. New graduates entering the Merrimack job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrimack 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 Merrimack
In Merrimack, several key employers actively recruit new civil engineering graduates, providing distinct paths for early career development. Major players in the field include consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which have structured training programs that guide new engineers toward attaining their Professional Engineer (PE) licenses. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offer stable career pathways with appealing benefits including pension plans. Construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor also seek entry-level engineers for field roles, providing hands-on experience. Graduates with an ABET-accredited degree who pass the FE exam are well-positioned for these roles. The current infrastructure investment wave, catalyzed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is fostering a robust demand for civil engineers, suggesting promising salary increments in the initial years. As new professionals work toward their PE credentials, they can realistically expect salary growth as they progress through the first three years of their careers, establishing themselves in the vibrant Merrimack job market.
More salary data for Merrimack, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Merrimack in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Merrimack?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Merrimack?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Merrimack?
How do I become a civil engineer in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Merrimack. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Merrimack 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