Cheshire vs New Haven: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cheshire, CT and New Haven, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cheshire, CT | New Haven, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,347 | $105,391▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.73 | $50.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,636 | $77,835▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,222 | $82,781▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,520 | $134,086▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,089 | $172,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 460▲ |
Verdict
New Haven, CT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cheshire.
The salary gap between Cheshire and New Haven is $4,044 (3.99%). New Haven's median is +1.83% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheshire spans $84,453,New Haven spans $94,183. New Haven 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, New Haven ($100,796 effective) pays 7.31% more than Cheshire ($93,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cheshire if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose New Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,391/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,018)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,796)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cheshire grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in New Haven over the same period.
Cheshire, CT
$111,259 (2024) → $98,750 (2025)
New Haven, CT
$90,890 (2019) → $102,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cheshire, CT
New Haven, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cheshire or New Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cheshire and New Haven?
Should I relocate from Cheshire to New Haven as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cheshire vs New Haven?
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