Charleston vs Lexington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,337▲ | $91,428 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.72▲ | $43.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239▲ | $62,639 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,833▲ | $72,018 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,704▲ | $112,943 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,638▲ | $136,776 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $9,909 (10.84%). Charleston's median is -2.08% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $103,399,Lexington spans $74,137. Charleston 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, Charleston ($100,371 effective) pays 0.45% more than Lexington ($99,921 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,337/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,638)
- ✓Larger job market (1,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,371)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Charleston grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$74,270 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$76,055 (2024) → $89,085 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
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