Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Lackawanna, NY: $71,569 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Lackawanna, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,569 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lackawanna's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,751 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,304) 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 Lackawanna, NY, can expect a starting salary around $71,569, which sits significantly below the city’s median civil engineer salary of $94,304. While this entry-level pay reflects realistic expectations for fresh graduates, it is essential to understand the growth potential as they gain experience. The first few years in the profession typically see salaries progress from the starting range towards the 25th percentile at $79,045, and eventually reaching the median salary within three to five years. Given the region's developing infrastructure projects, primarily influenced by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Lackawanna presents a decent job market for new civil engineering graduates looking to establish their careers.
About the Lackawanna Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lackawanna
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 Lackawanna
Entry-level civil engineers in Lackawanna, NY typically start between $71,569 and $79,045 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,509 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,304 — 8.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in New York of $98,000 represents just 136.93% of the starting civil engineer pay ($71,569/year) in Lackawanna. 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 Lackawanna
- 1Research the Lackawanna market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $71,569 to $79,045, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lackawanna, 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 Lackawanna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Lackawanna's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Civil Engineer Compensation Range
The civil engineer wage spread in Lackawanna is $73,509 ( 102.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,569, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,078.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,593
2025 BLS Actual
$69,735
2026 Current Est.
$71,569
2019–2027 Growth
+29.8%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Lackawanna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,593 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,877 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,377 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,569 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,451 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lackawanna, NY grew 23.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,593 in 2019 to $69,735 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,451. New graduates entering the Lackawanna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna
Opportunities for entry-level civil engineers in Lackawanna are primarily found among several key employers, including large consulting firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP, which actively recruit new EITs through structured training programs. State and federal agencies, such as the New York State Department of Transportation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also provide stable career paths with beneficial benefits. Additionally, construction companies like Bechtel and Fluor enter the fray by looking for field-engaged engineers, while smaller firms allow for quicker project ownership but with less formal training systems. For new grads wanting to enhance their starting civil engineer salary in Lackawanna, securing an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree and passing the FE exam to achieve EIT status can set the foundation for future growth. Focusing on credentials like the PE license will eventually unlock senior positions, following the first one to three years of experience. The ongoing investment in infrastructure is expected to sustain demand in the market, offering recent graduates the chance to grow their salaries as they navigate early stages of their careers.
More salary data for Lackawanna, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Lackawanna in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Lackawanna?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Lackawanna?
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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 Lackawanna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lackawanna 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