Cleveland vs Lakewood: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Lakewood, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,720▲ | $98,221 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.47▲ | $47.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,690▲ | $63,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,862▲ | $75,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,073 | $125,167▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,905 | $152,242▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,770▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Lakewood is $499 (0.51%). Cleveland's median is -4.61% 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,Lakewood spans $88,559. Lakewood 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, Lakewood ($108,292 effective) pays 3.03% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,720/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,242)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,292)
- ✓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 Lakewood over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$80,050 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
Lakewood, OH
$83,023 (2024) → $95,704 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Lakewood, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cleveland or Lakewood?
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Should I relocate from Cleveland to Lakewood as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cleveland vs Lakewood?
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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