Carson City vs Sparks: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Carson City, NV and Sparks, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Sparks, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,765 | $102,639▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.00 | $49.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,851▲ | $64,264 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,847 | $82,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,336 | $131,379▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,864 | $159,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 310▲ | 28 |
Verdict
Sparks, NV offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Sparks is $4,874 (4.99%). Sparks's median is -0.82% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $68,013,Sparks spans $94,827. Sparks 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, Sparks ($104,414 effective) pays 4.80% more than Carson City ($99,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Sparks if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,639/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,091)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,414)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Carson City grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Sparks over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$74,320 (2019) → $95,260 (2025)
Sparks, NV
$97,192 (2024) → $100,009 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Sparks, NV
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