Atlanta vs Gainesville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Gainesville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Gainesville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,314▲ | $80,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.42▲ | $38.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,488 | $67,243▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,185▲ | $70,425 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,492▲ | $97,611 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,362▲ | $133,922 |
| Total Employed | 6,270▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gainesville.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Gainesville is $10,314 (12.89%). Atlanta's median is -12.73% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $98,874,Gainesville spans $66,679. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($90,262 effective) pays 9.18% more than Gainesville ($82,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,362)
- ✓Larger job market (6,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,262)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Gainesville if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Atlanta grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Gainesville over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$75,910 (2019) → $88,000 (2025)
Gainesville, GA
$58,510 (2019) → $77,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Gainesville, GA
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