El Mirage vs Tucson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between El Mirage, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Mirage, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,895▲ | $83,633 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.18▲ | $40.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,600 | $63,477▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,264▲ | $73,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,625▲ | $108,583 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,437▲ | $135,913 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 760▲ |
Verdict
El Mirage, AZ offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between El Mirage and Tucson is $8,262 (9.88%). El Mirage's median is -11.21% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Mirage spans $81,837,Tucson spans $72,436. El Mirage 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, El Mirage ($93,294 effective) pays 8.09% more than Tucson ($86,312 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Mirage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,895/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,437)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,294)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in El Mirage grew -1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Tucson over the same period.
El Mirage, AZ
$90,728 (2024) → $89,540 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$78,760 (2019) → $81,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Mirage, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: El Mirage or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Mirage and Tucson?
Should I relocate from El Mirage to Tucson as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in El Mirage vs Tucson?
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