Downey vs Los Angeles: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Downey, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Downey, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,630▲ | $111,497 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.51▲ | $53.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,096▲ | $74,776 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,645▲ | $86,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,126▲ | $145,283 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,426▲ | $175,159 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 16,340▲ |
Verdict
Downey, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Downey and Los Angeles is $8,133 (7.29%). Downey's median is +15.59% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Downey spans $110,330,Los Angeles spans $100,383. Downey 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, Downey ($105,774 effective) pays 7.74% more than Los Angeles ($98,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Downey if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,630/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,426)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,774)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (16,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Downey grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Downey, CA
$143,149 (2024) → $116,564 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Downey, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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