Elko vs Reno: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elko, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,189 | $108,244▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.76 | $52.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,788 | $79,497▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,759 | $85,727▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,545 | $146,740▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,713 | $165,953▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 730▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.
The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $13,055 (13.71%). Reno's median is +4.59% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $68,925,Reno spans $86,456. Reno has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($107,157 effective) pays 10.66% more than Elko ($96,835 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elko if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,244/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,953)
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,157)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Elko grew 2.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Reno over the same period.
Elko, NV
$90,137 (2024) → $92,750 (2025)
Reno, NV
$88,330 (2019) → $105,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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