Bowling Green vs Cincinnati: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,091 | $100,803▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.16 | $48.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,697▲ | $66,904 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,394 | $79,815▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,241 | $127,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,670▲ | $141,209 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,110▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Cincinnati is $2,712 (2.76%). Cincinnati's median is -2.60% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $82,973,Cincinnati spans $74,305. 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, Bowling Green ($108,149 effective) pays 2.32% more than Cincinnati ($105,697 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 ($151,670)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,149)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,803/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bowling Green grew 15.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Bowling Green, OH
$82,912 (2024) → $95,577 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$79,620 (2019) → $98,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Bowling Green or Cincinnati?
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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