Dallas vs Harlingen: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Dallas, TX and Harlingen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Harlingen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,469▲ | $81,183 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.83▲ | $39.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,343▲ | $54,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,754▲ | $66,356 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,154▲ | $102,925 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,330▲ | $125,835 |
| Total Employed | 8,010▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Dallas and Harlingen is $18,286 (22.52%). Dallas's median is -3.89% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $98,987,Harlingen spans $71,536. Dallas 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, Dallas ($96,488 effective) pays 14.10% more than Harlingen ($84,566 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,469/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,330)
- ✓Larger job market (8,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,488)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Dallas grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -22.1% growth in Harlingen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$84,100 (2019) → $96,920 (2025)
Harlingen, TX
$101,568 (2024) → $79,103 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Harlingen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Dallas or Harlingen?
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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