Altus vs Oklahoma City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Altus, OK and Oklahoma City, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altus, OK | Oklahoma City, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,228 | $101,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.93 | $48.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,608 | $67,756▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,119 | $81,622▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,343 | $134,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,204 | $166,435▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.
The salary gap between Altus and Oklahoma City is $14,335 (16.43%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $74,596,Oklahoma City spans $98,679. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($112,339 effective) pays 14.49% more than Altus ($98,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altus if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,435)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,339)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Altus grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.0% growth in Oklahoma City over the same period.
Altus, OK
$74,171 (2024) → $84,993 (2025)
Oklahoma City, OK
$98,940 (2019) → $98,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Altus or Oklahoma City?
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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