Cedar Hill vs Houston: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cedar Hill, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Hill, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,040 | $103,605▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.92 | $49.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,455 | $69,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,847 | $82,114▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,619 | $134,435▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,712 | $172,665▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 12,140▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Hill.
The salary gap between Cedar Hill and Houston is $20,565 (24.77%). Houston's median is +0.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Hill spans $71,257,Houston spans $103,646. Houston 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, Houston ($105,045 effective) pays 21.44% more than Cedar Hill ($86,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Hill if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,605/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,665)
- ✓Larger job market (12,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,045)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cedar Hill grew -18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.0% growth in Houston over the same period.
Cedar Hill, TX
$99,657 (2024) → $80,912 (2025)
Houston, TX
$97,100 (2019) → $100,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Hill, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cedar Hill or Houston?
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Should I relocate from Cedar Hill to Houston as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cedar Hill vs Houston?
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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