Bethlehem vs Pittsburgh: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,827▲ | $103,328 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.92▲ | $49.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,109 | $70,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,724▲ | $79,682 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,449▲ | $128,134 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,931▲ | $145,026 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 4,210▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Pittsburgh is $499 (0.48%). Bethlehem's median is +0.32% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $90,822,Pittsburgh spans $74,242. Bethlehem 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, Pittsburgh ($109,144 effective) pays 2.39% more than Bethlehem ($106,599 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,827/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,931)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,144)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bethlehem grew 4.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$96,799 (2024) → $101,166 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$82,250 (2019) → $100,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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