Civil Engineer Salary

Dallas vs Irving: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Dallas, TX and Irving, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$99,469
$47.83/hr
Irving, TX
$88,031
$42.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXIrving, TX
Median Salary$99,469$88,031
Hourly Rate$47.83$42.32
Entry Level (P10)$63,343$55,699
25th Percentile$79,754$66,920
75th Percentile$128,154$112,680
Top Earner (P90)$162,330$136,448
Total Employed8,01051
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($99,469) and Irving ($88,031) civil engineer salaries.DallasIrvingMedian Salary$99,469$88,031Entry Level (P10)$63,343$55,699Top Earner (P90)$162,330$136,448US Median $103,492

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Irving.

The salary gap between Dallas and Irving is $11,438 (12.99%). 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,Irving spans $80,749. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$63,343
P25$79,754
Median$99,469
P75$128,154
P90 (Top)$162,330
Irving
P10 (Entry)$55,699
P25$66,920
Median$88,031
P75$112,680
P90 (Top)$136,448

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($96,488 effective) pays 5.22% more than Irving ($91,699 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $99,469
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $96,488
Irving
Nominal: $88,031
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $91,699

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 Irving 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 -18.8% growth in Irving over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+15.2%

$84,100 (2019) → $96,920 (2025)

Irving, TX

+-18.8%

$105,647 (2024) → $85,775 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Dallas or Irving?

Dallas has a higher median civil engineer salary at $99,469/year, compared to Irving at $88,031/year — a difference of $11,438 (12.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Irving?

Dallas civil engineers earn $47.83/hr while Irving hygienists earn $42.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Irving as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Irving. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $96,488, Irving = $91,699), job availability (8,010 vs 51 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Dallas vs Irving?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $63,343 in Dallas and $55,699 in Irving. The Dallas area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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