Cleveland vs Middletown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Cleveland, OH and Middletown, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Middletown, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,720▲ | $97,845 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.47▲ | $47.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,690▲ | $68,112 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,862▲ | $77,893 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,073 | $124,746▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,905 | $151,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,770▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Middletown is $875 (0.89%). 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,Middletown spans $83,548. Middletown 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, Middletown ($107,878 effective) pays 2.64% 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 Middletown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,660)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,878)
- ✓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 Middletown over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$80,050 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
Middletown, OH
$82,705 (2024) → $95,338 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Middletown, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Cleveland or Middletown?
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Should I relocate from Cleveland to Middletown as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Cleveland vs Middletown?
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