Falls Church vs Richmond: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Falls Church, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Falls Church, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,143 | $93,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.86 | $45.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,419 | $74,981▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,095 | $81,252▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,934 | $118,497▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,672 | $140,459▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,680▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Falls Church.
The salary gap between Falls Church and Richmond is $4,558 (5.11%). Richmond's median is -9.46% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Falls Church spans $69,253,Richmond spans $65,478. Falls Church 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, Richmond ($95,752 effective) pays 10.85% more than Falls Church ($86,379 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Falls Church if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,701/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,459)
- ✓Larger job market (1,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,752)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Falls Church grew -15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Falls Church, VA
$102,770 (2024) → $86,859 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$84,800 (2019) → $91,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Falls Church, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Falls Church or Richmond?
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Should I relocate from Falls Church to Richmond as a civil engineer?
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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