Cincinnati vs Sandusky: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Sandusky, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Sandusky, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,803 | $103,718▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.46 | $49.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,904 | $69,008▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,815 | $80,893▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $127,415▲ | $122,992 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,209▲ | $132,547 |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Sandusky are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Sandusky is $2,915 (2.89%). Sandusky's median is +0.22% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $74,305,Sandusky spans $63,539. Cincinnati 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, Sandusky ($116,170 effective) pays 9.91% more than Cincinnati ($105,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,209)
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Sandusky if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,718/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,170)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cincinnati grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Sandusky over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$79,620 (2019) → $98,220 (2025)
Sandusky, OH
$82,925 (2024) → $101,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Sandusky, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cincinnati or Sandusky?
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Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Sandusky 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