Ashland vs Lexington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,174 | $105,801▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.20 | $50.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,463 | $69,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,206 | $81,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,099 | $134,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,197▲ | $141,907 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $7,627 (7.77%). Lexington's median is +2.23% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $79,734,Lexington spans $72,796. Ashland 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, Lexington ($113,900 effective) pays 3.60% more than Ashland ($109,937 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,197)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,801/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,900)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Ashland grew 28.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$74,758 (2024) → $95,658 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$79,340 (2019) → $103,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
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