Chula Vista vs Los Angeles: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Chula Vista, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chula Vista, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,893▲ | $111,497 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.80▲ | $53.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,002 | $74,776▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,463▲ | $86,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,223 | $145,283▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,434 | $175,159▲ |
| Total Employed | 51 | 16,340▲ |
Verdict
Chula Vista and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chula Vista and Los Angeles is $396 (0.36%). Chula Vista's median is +8.12% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chula Vista spans $105,432,Los Angeles spans $100,383. Chula Vista 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, Chula Vista ($98,933 effective) pays 0.77% more than Los Angeles ($98,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chula Vista if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,893/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,933)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,159)
- ✓Larger job market (16,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Chula Vista grew -25.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chula Vista, CA
$145,785 (2024) → $109,026 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chula Vista, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Chula Vista or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chula Vista and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Chula Vista to Los Angeles as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Chula Vista vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
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