Baytown vs Dallas: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Baytown, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baytown, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,569 | $99,469▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.18 | $47.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,182 | $63,343▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,837 | $79,754▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,494 | $128,154▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,531 | $162,330▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 8,010▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Baytown.
The salary gap between Baytown and Dallas is $15,900 (19.03%). Dallas's median is -3.89% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baytown spans $75,349,Dallas spans $98,987. Dallas has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($96,488 effective) pays 10.84% more than Baytown ($87,051 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baytown if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,330)
- ✓Larger job market (8,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,488)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Baytown grew -18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Baytown, TX
$100,291 (2024) → $81,427 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$84,100 (2019) → $96,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baytown, TX
Dallas, 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