Hayward vs Sacramento: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Hayward, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hayward, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,696 | $133,573▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.54 | $64.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,604 | $83,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,372 | $102,907▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $153,211 | $163,551▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,529▲ | $180,567 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 5,590▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hayward.
The salary gap between Hayward and Sacramento is $13,877 (11.59%). Sacramento's median is +29.07% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hayward spans $109,925,Sacramento spans $96,739. Hayward 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, Sacramento ($125,221 effective) pays 18.32% more than Hayward ($105,832 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hayward if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,529)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,573/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,221)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Hayward grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.5% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Hayward, CA
$143,229 (2024) → $116,629 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$121,060 (2019) → $130,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hayward, CA
Sacramento, CA
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