Baton Rouge vs Shreveport: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Shreveport, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,387▲ | $101,142 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.48▲ | $48.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,883▲ | $62,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,331▲ | $75,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,200▲ | $129,806 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,744▲ | $149,234 |
| Total Employed | 1,140▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Shreveport is $14,245 (14.08%). 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,Shreveport spans $87,081. 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 6.53% more than Shreveport ($119,319 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 Shreveport 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 11.1% growth in Shreveport over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$92,720 (2019) → $112,430 (2025)
Shreveport, LA
$88,680 (2019) → $98,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Shreveport, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Baton Rouge or Shreveport?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Shreveport?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Shreveport as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Baton Rouge vs Shreveport?
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