Bowling Green vs Lexington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,792 | $105,801▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.50 | $50.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,097 | $69,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,753 | $81,324▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,443 | $134,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,799▲ | $141,907 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Lexington is $7,009 (7.09%). Lexington's median is +2.23% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $102,702,Lexington spans $72,796. Bowling Green 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, Lexington ($113,900 effective) pays 3.97% more than Bowling Green ($109,551 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,799)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,801/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,900)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bowling Green grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$71,390 (2019) → $96,260 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$79,340 (2019) → $103,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Lexington, KY
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