Hartford vs Norwalk: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Hartford, CT and Norwalk, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Norwalk, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,376▲ | $105,639 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.14▲ | $50.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,030▲ | $68,424 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,337▲ | $80,727 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,538 | $135,218▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,872▲ | $163,741 |
| Total Employed | 2,420▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Hartford, CT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norwalk.
The salary gap between Hartford and Norwalk is $737 (0.70%). Hartford's median is +2.79% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $89,842,Norwalk spans $95,317. Norwalk 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, Hartford ($103,533 effective) pays 5.75% more than Norwalk ($97,905 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,872)
- ✓Larger job market (2,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,533)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Norwalk if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Hartford grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Norwalk over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$89,500 (2019) → $103,650 (2025)
Norwalk, CT
$115,971 (2024) → $102,932 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Norwalk, CT
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