Harrisonburg vs Roanoke: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Harrisonburg, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisonburg, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,842 | $93,106▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.87 | $44.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,235 | $68,198▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,686 | $77,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,608 | $117,029▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,132▲ | $134,712 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisonburg.
The salary gap between Harrisonburg and Roanoke is $12,264 (15.17%). Roanoke's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisonburg spans $95,897,Roanoke spans $66,514. Harrisonburg 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, Roanoke ($99,453 effective) pays 16.74% more than Harrisonburg ($85,194 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisonburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,132)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,106/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,453)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Harrisonburg grew 8.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Harrisonburg, VA
$72,560 (2019) → $78,770 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$66,650 (2019) → $90,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisonburg, VA
Roanoke, VA
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