Folsom vs San Francisco: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Folsom, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Folsom, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,476▲ | $133,583 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.66▲ | $64.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,017 | $93,250▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,009 | $105,740▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,652▲ | $167,441 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $208,438▲ | $208,062 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 10,990▲ |
Verdict
Folsom, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Folsom and San Francisco is $893 (0.67%). Folsom's median is +29.94% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Folsom spans $121,421,San Francisco spans $114,812. Folsom 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, Folsom ($118,900 effective) pays 2.91% more than San Francisco ($115,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Folsom if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,476/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($208,438)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,900)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (10,990 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Folsom grew -7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Folsom, CA
$140,907 (2024) → $131,030 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$116,270 (2019) → $130,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Folsom, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Folsom or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Folsom and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Folsom to San Francisco as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Folsom vs San Francisco?
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