Bennington vs Colchester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bennington, VT and Colchester, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bennington, VT | Colchester, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,640▲ | $99,153 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.34▲ | $47.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,312▲ | $72,981 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,699▲ | $81,774 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,533▲ | $125,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,359▲ | $153,687 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bennington, VT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Colchester.
The salary gap between Bennington and Colchester is $3,487 (3.52%). Bennington's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bennington spans $83,047,Colchester spans $80,706. Bennington 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, Bennington ($99,169 effective) pays 3.52% more than Colchester ($95,800 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bennington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,640/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($156,359)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,169)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Colchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bennington grew 14.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Colchester over the same period.
Bennington, VT
$87,276 (2024) → $100,010 (2025)
Colchester, VT
$84,310 (2024) → $96,612 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bennington, VT
Colchester, VT
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