Boston vs Chelsea: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,502▲ | $103,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.13▲ | $49.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,673▲ | $71,539 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,944▲ | $81,957 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,848▲ | $129,138 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,762▲ | $158,432 |
| Total Employed | 7,970▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $7,500 (7.28%). Boston's median is +6.77% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $90,089,Chelsea spans $86,893. Boston 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, Boston ($102,065 effective) pays 7.51% more than Chelsea ($94,933 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,502/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,762)
- ✓Larger job market (7,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,065)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boston grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.9% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$88,960 (2019) → $107,670 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$126,857 (2024) → $100,362 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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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