Dallas vs San Marcos: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Dallas, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,469 | $105,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.83 | $50.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,343 | $71,074▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,754 | $82,923▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,154 | $134,474▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,330 | $163,551▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,010▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Marcos is $6,048 (6.08%). San Marcos's median is +1.96% 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,San Marcos spans $92,477. 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, San Marcos ($109,914 effective) pays 13.91% more than Dallas ($96,488 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,517/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,551)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,914)
- ✓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 0.7% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$84,100 (2019) → $96,920 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$102,119 (2024) → $102,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Dallas or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Dallas to San Marcos as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Dallas vs San Marcos?
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