Brighton vs Fort Collins: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Brighton, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,720 | $97,211▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.57 | $46.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,209 | $69,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,042 | $82,751▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,681 | $128,144▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,716 | $150,640▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Fort Collins is $4,491 (4.84%). Fort Collins's median is -6.07% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $77,507,Fort Collins spans $81,201. Fort Collins has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Collins ($96,127 effective) pays 8.86% more than Brighton ($88,305 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,211/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,640)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,127)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Brighton grew -11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.8% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$102,088 (2024) → $90,344 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$74,700 (2019) → $94,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Brighton or Fort Collins?
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Should I relocate from Brighton to Fort Collins as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Brighton vs Fort Collins?
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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