Bremerton vs Olympia: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bremerton, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,266▲ | $111,087 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.34▲ | $53.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,822 | $86,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $98,699▲ | $95,169 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,444▲ | $126,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,465▲ | $145,786 |
| Total Employed | 300 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Bremerton, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Olympia is $8,179 (7.36%). Bremerton's median is +15.24% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $74,643,Olympia spans $59,064. Bremerton 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, Bremerton ($112,934 effective) pays 5.39% more than Olympia ($107,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,266/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,465)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,934)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bremerton grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$91,350 (2019) → $116,210 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$84,930 (2019) → $108,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Olympia, WA
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