Greenville vs Myrtle Beach: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Greenville, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,534▲ | $92,521 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.74▲ | $44.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,048▲ | $64,883 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,616▲ | $77,506 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,382▲ | $132,824 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,834▲ | $161,940 |
| Total Employed | 1,170▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Myrtle Beach.
The salary gap between Greenville and Myrtle Beach is $13,013 (14.06%). Greenville's median is +1.97% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $97,786,Myrtle Beach spans $97,057. Greenville 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, Greenville ($113,161 effective) pays 14.53% more than Myrtle Beach ($98,803 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,834)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,161)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Greenville grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$86,750 (2019) → $102,830 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$72,240 (2019) → $90,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
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