Austin vs McAllen: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Austin, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,112▲ | $81,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57▲ | $39.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,099▲ | $62,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,176▲ | $76,193 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,280▲ | $103,841 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,051▲ | $128,770 |
| Total Employed | 4,940▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Austin and McAllen is $21,655 (26.58%). Austin's median is -0.37% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $99,952,McAllen spans $65,971. Austin 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, Austin ($105,146 effective) pays 10.87% more than McAllen ($94,833 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,051)
- ✓Larger job market (4,940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,146)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Austin grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Austin, TX
$84,680 (2019) → $100,470 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$71,590 (2019) → $79,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
McAllen, TX
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