Civil Engineer Salary

Easton vs Harrisburg: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Easton, PA and Harrisburg, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Easton, PA
$99,618
$47.90/hr
Harrisburg, PA
$96,298
$46.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEaston, PAHarrisburg, PA
Median Salary$99,618$96,298
Hourly Rate$47.90$46.30
Entry Level (P10)$71,161$70,784
25th Percentile$80,644$79,066
75th Percentile$127,511$124,973
Top Earner (P90)$154,408$136,118
Total Employed81,370
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Easton ($99,618) and Harrisburg ($96,298) civil engineer salaries.EastonHarrisburgMedian Salary$99,618$96,298Entry Level (P10)$71,161$70,784Top Earner (P90)$154,408$136,118US Median $103,492

Verdict

Easton, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.

The salary gap between Easton and Harrisburg is $3,320 (3.45%). Easton's median is -3.74% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Easton spans $83,247,Harrisburg spans $65,334. Easton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Easton
P10 (Entry)$71,161
P25$80,644
Median$99,618
P75$127,511
P90 (Top)$154,408
Harrisburg
P10 (Entry)$70,784
P25$79,066
Median$96,298
P75$124,973
P90 (Top)$136,118

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Easton ($102,277 effective) pays 4.78% more than Harrisburg ($97,616 effective).

Easton
Nominal: $99,618
CoL Index: 97.4
Adjusted: $102,277
Harrisburg
Nominal: $96,298
CoL Index: 98.65
Adjusted: $97,616

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Easton if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,618/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,408)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,277)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Harrisburg if…

  • Larger job market (1,370 employed)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Easton grew 6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Harrisburg over the same period.

Easton, PA

+6.7%

$91,000 (2024) → $97,065 (2025)

Harrisburg, PA

+16.9%

$80,280 (2019) → $93,830 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Easton or Harrisburg?

Easton has a higher median civil engineer salary at $99,618/year, compared to Harrisburg at $96,298/year — a difference of $3,320 (3.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Easton and Harrisburg?

Easton civil engineers earn $47.90/hr while Harrisburg hygienists earn $46.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Easton to Harrisburg as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Easton and Harrisburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Easton = $102,277, Harrisburg = $97,616), job availability (8 vs 1,370 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Easton vs Harrisburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $71,161 in Easton and $70,784 in Harrisburg. The Easton 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