Austin vs Socorro: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Austin, TX and Socorro, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Socorro, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,112▲ | $80,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57▲ | $38.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,099▲ | $57,131 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,176▲ | $64,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,280▲ | $102,504 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,051▲ | $124,126 |
| Total Employed | 4,940▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Socorro.
The salary gap between Austin and Socorro is $23,031 (28.76%). 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,Socorro spans $66,995. 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 26.05% more than Socorro ($83,418 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 Socorro 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 -18.8% growth in Socorro over the same period.
Austin, TX
$84,680 (2019) → $100,470 (2025)
Socorro, TX
$96,106 (2024) → $78,029 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Socorro, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Austin or Socorro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Socorro?
Should I relocate from Austin to Socorro as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Austin vs Socorro?
Related Comparisons
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