salary$108,900 a year$52 an hour · median pay in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area
Lower pay (bottom 10%)$79,410per year
Top pay (top 10%)$166,430per year
Jobs in the area5,620people work this job
Can a civil engineer afford San Diego?
Expensive. Rent of $3,011 a month takes 33.2% of the median civil engineer salary. That is over the 30% rule, so many people in this job share housing or need a second income.
Civil Engineer pay in similar cities
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a civil engineer make in San Diego, CA?
The median pay for a civil engineer in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area is $108,900 a year ($52 an hour). Most earn between $79,410 and $166,430.
Can a civil engineer afford to live in San Diego?
Typical rent of $3,011 a month takes 33.2% of the median civil engineer salary, which we rate Expensive.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro area.