Fairmont vs Wheeling: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fairmont, WV and Wheeling, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairmont, WV | Wheeling, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,533 | $86,661▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.12 | $41.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,086▲ | $52,998 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,092▲ | $62,953 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,341 | $111,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,671 | $136,231▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Wheeling, WV offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.
The salary gap between Fairmont and Wheeling is $1,128 (1.32%). Wheeling's median is -16.26% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $66,585,Wheeling spans $83,233. Wheeling 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, Fairmont ($98,882 effective) pays 0.78% more than Wheeling ($98,118 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairmont if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,882)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,661/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,231)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fairmont grew 21.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.1% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Fairmont, WV
$68,420 (2024) → $83,341 (2025)
Wheeling, WV
$75,310 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairmont, WV
Wheeling, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fairmont or Wheeling?
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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