Entry-Level Civil Engineer Salary in Bismarck, ND: $66,638 (2026)
Quick Answer:New civil engineers entering the Bismarck, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,638 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bismarck's local price level (BEA RPP 91.0 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,209 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,855) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bismarck, ND, new graduates entering the civil engineering profession in 2026 can expect to begin their careers with a starting salary of approximately $66,638, which is significantly below the city median of $100,855. This initial figure reflects the reality for many entry-level positions in the area. However, there is potential for growth as early career professionals can realistically expect their pay to rise incrementally; within the first few years, reaching figures closer to $81,570 by the 25th percentile is quite feasible. Given the current market dynamics in Bismarck, fueled by infrastructure investment spurred by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the city presents a favorable environment for new graduates to establish their careers in civil engineering.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bismarck
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 Bismarck
Entry-level civil engineers in Bismarck, ND typically start between $66,638 and $81,570 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,453 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,855 — 2.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average civil engineering program cost in North Dakota of $48,000 represents just 72.03% of the starting civil engineer pay ($66,638/year) in Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
- 1Research the Bismarck market: entry-level civil engineer pay ranges from $66,638 to $81,570, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bismarck's below-average 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 Bismarck is $75,453 ( 113.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,638, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,091.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,640
2025 BLS Actual
$64,930
2026 Current Est.
$66,638
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Civil Engineers in Bismarck (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.63% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,640 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,470 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,638 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,390 | Projected |
Entry-level civil engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Bismarck, ND grew 5.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,640 in 2019 to $64,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,390. New graduates entering the Bismarck job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Many employers in Bismarck actively seek fresh talent to join their ranks. Notable firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and WSP are prominent players that often recruit entry-level engineers, providing structured training programs for aspiring Professional Engineers (PE). State departments of transportation and federal agencies, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers, also offer entry-level opportunities with long-term benefits like pensions, while construction companies may hire for field positions that allow for rapid project engagement. For recent graduates, obtaining credentials like the EIT designation through the FE exam can enhance starting salaries. Entry-level engineers can anticipate realistic salary growth over the first few years, especially as gaining experience and securing a PE license can open doors to senior positions. With an ever-growing focus on infrastructure projects, Bismarck's civil engineering landscape holds promising prospects for skilled new graduates navigating their first jobs.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for civil engineers in Bismarck in 2026?
How fast do civil engineer salaries grow in Bismarck?
Is civil engineering school worth it in Bismarck?
What do new civil engineers make right out of school in Bismarck?
How do I become a civil engineer in North Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 Bismarck. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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