Cleveland vs Hamilton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Hamilton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Hamilton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,720 | $98,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.47 | $47.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,690▲ | $64,804 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,862▲ | $76,097 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,073 | $124,413▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,905 | $153,080▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,770▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Hamilton, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Hamilton is $41 (0.04%). Hamilton's median is -4.57% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $71,215,Hamilton spans $88,276. Hamilton 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, Hamilton ($108,888 effective) pays 3.60% more than Cleveland ($105,107 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Hamilton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,761/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,080)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,888)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Cleveland grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.3% growth in Hamilton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$80,050 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
Hamilton, OH
$83,479 (2024) → $96,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Hamilton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cleveland or Hamilton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Hamilton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Hamilton as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cleveland vs Hamilton?
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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