East Chicago vs South Bend: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between East Chicago, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,051 | $98,710▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.74 | $47.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,586 | $73,729▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,675 | $80,708▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,104 | $123,628▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,228 | $146,463▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 180▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and South Bend is $5,659 (6.08%). South Bend's median is -4.62% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $78,642,South Bend spans $72,734. East Chicago 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, South Bend ($106,302 effective) pays 4.30% more than East Chicago ($101,918 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,710/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,463)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,302)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in East Chicago grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in South Bend over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$77,569 (2024) → $90,666 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$74,800 (2019) → $96,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: East Chicago or South Bend?
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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