Carson vs San Francisco: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Carson, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,792 | $133,583▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.67 | $64.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,553 | $93,250▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,310 | $105,740▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,468 | $167,441▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,478 | $208,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 10,990▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson.
The salary gap between Carson and San Francisco is $17,791 (15.36%). San Francisco's median is +29.08% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson spans $97,925,San Francisco spans $114,812. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($115,543 effective) pays 12.86% more than Carson ($102,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,583/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,062)
- ✓Larger job market (10,990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,543)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Carson grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Carson, CA
$138,556 (2024) → $112,825 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$116,270 (2019) → $130,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Carson or San Francisco?
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Should I relocate from Carson to San Francisco as a civil engineer?
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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