Baton Rouge vs Lafayette: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Lafayette, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,387▲ | $99,972 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.48▲ | $48.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,883▲ | $59,176 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,331▲ | $74,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,200▲ | $121,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,744▲ | $132,793 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lafayette.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Lafayette is $15,415 (15.42%). Baton Rouge's median is +11.49% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $94,861,Lafayette spans $73,617. Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge ($127,106 effective) pays 10.88% more than Lafayette ($114,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,387/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,744)
- ✓Larger job market (1,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,106)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Baton Rouge grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.0% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$92,720 (2019) → $112,430 (2025)
Lafayette, LA
$98,430 (2019) → $97,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Lafayette, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Baton Rouge or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Lafayette as a civil engineer?
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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