Harrisburg vs Pittsburgh: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Harrisburg, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisburg, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,298 | $103,328▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.30 | $49.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,784 | $70,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,066 | $79,682▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,973 | $128,134▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,118 | $145,026▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,370 | 4,210▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisburg.
The salary gap between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh is $7,030 (7.30%). Pittsburgh's median is -0.16% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisburg spans $65,334,Pittsburgh spans $74,242. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($109,144 effective) pays 11.81% more than Harrisburg ($97,616 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,026)
- ✓Larger job market (4,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,144)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Harrisburg grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Harrisburg, PA
$80,280 (2019) → $93,830 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$82,250 (2019) → $100,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisburg, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Harrisburg or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Harrisburg vs Pittsburgh?
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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