Elk Grove vs Los Angeles: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elk Grove, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elk Grove, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,945▲ | $111,497 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.67▲ | $53.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,152▲ | $74,776 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,744▲ | $86,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,529▲ | $145,283 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,914▲ | $175,159 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 16,340▲ |
Verdict
Elk Grove, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Elk Grove and Los Angeles is $8,448 (7.58%). Elk Grove's median is +15.90% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elk Grove spans $109,762,Los Angeles spans $100,383. Elk Grove 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, Elk Grove ($106,052 effective) pays 8.02% 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 Elk Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,945/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,914)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,052)
- ✓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 Elk Grove grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Elk Grove, CA
$143,526 (2024) → $116,871 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elk Grove, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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