Cincinnati vs Springfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Springfield, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Springfield, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,803▲ | $99,597 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.46▲ | $47.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,904▲ | $66,819 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,815▲ | $77,764 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,415 | $127,485▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,209 | $154,376▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Springfield is $1,206 (1.21%). Cincinnati's median is -2.60% 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,Springfield spans $87,557. Springfield 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, Springfield ($109,809 effective) pays 3.89% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,803/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,376)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,809)
- ✓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 28.8% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$79,620 (2019) → $98,220 (2025)
Springfield, OH
$75,350 (2021) → $97,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Springfield, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cincinnati or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Springfield as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cincinnati vs Springfield?
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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