Augusta vs Valdosta: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Augusta, GA and Valdosta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Valdosta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,719▲ | $81,242 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.83▲ | $39.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,025▲ | $59,125 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,473▲ | $66,053 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,067▲ | $101,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,227▲ | $137,257 |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valdosta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Valdosta is $24,477 (30.13%). Augusta's median is +2.15% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $90,202,Valdosta spans $78,132. Augusta 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, Augusta ($115,033 effective) pays 24.99% more than Valdosta ($92,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,719/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,227)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,033)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Valdosta if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Augusta grew 1.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in Valdosta over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$101,150 (2019) → $103,010 (2025)
Valdosta, GA
$65,180 (2019) → $79,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Valdosta, 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