Altoona vs Philadelphia: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,144 | $102,024▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.22 | $49.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,784 | $77,824▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,974 | $83,572▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,349 | $130,761▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,236 | $151,851▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 6,160▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $5,880 (6.12%). Philadelphia's median is -1.42% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $57,452,Philadelphia spans $74,027. Philadelphia 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, Altoona ($107,415 effective) pays 7.97% more than Philadelphia ($99,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,415)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,851)
- ✓Larger job market (6,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Altoona grew 18.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$78,930 (2019) → $93,680 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$89,670 (2019) → $99,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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