Chandler vs Tucson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chandler, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chandler, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,354▲ | $83,633 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.88▲ | $40.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,930 | $63,477▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,812 | $73,904▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,493▲ | $108,583 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,699▲ | $135,913 |
| Total Employed | 49 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Chandler and Tucson is $9,721 (11.62%). Chandler's median is -9.80% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chandler spans $86,769,Tucson spans $72,436. Chandler 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, Chandler ($94,776 effective) pays 9.81% more than Tucson ($86,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chandler if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,354/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,699)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,776)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Chandler grew -6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Chandler, AZ
$97,057 (2024) → $90,962 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$78,760 (2019) → $81,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chandler, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I relocate from Chandler to Tucson 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