Allentown vs Scranton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Allentown, PA and Scranton, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Scranton, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,357▲ | $98,248 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73▲ | $47.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,318▲ | $70,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,729▲ | $79,230 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,041▲ | $119,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,490▲ | $133,850 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 450 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scranton.
The salary gap between Allentown and Scranton is $3,109 (3.16%). Allentown's median is -2.06% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $69,172,Scranton spans $63,066. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Scranton ($105,015 effective) pays 3.58% more than Allentown ($101,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,357/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,490)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Scranton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,015)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Allentown grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.7% growth in Scranton over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$80,270 (2019) → $98,760 (2025)
Scranton, PA
$76,180 (2019) → $95,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Scranton, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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