Abilene vs Houston: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Abilene, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,484 | $103,605▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.29 | $49.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,228 | $69,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,328 | $82,114▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,521 | $134,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,450 | $172,665▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 12,140▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Houston is $28,121 (37.25%). Houston's median is +0.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $67,222,Houston spans $103,646. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($105,045 effective) pays 25.75% more than Abilene ($83,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,605/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,665)
- ✓Larger job market (12,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,045)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Abilene grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$66,650 (2019) → $73,550 (2025)
Houston, TX
$97,100 (2019) → $100,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Abilene or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Houston?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Houston as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Abilene vs Houston?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov