Houston vs Sugar Land: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Houston, TX and Sugar Land, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Sugar Land, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,605▲ | $83,750 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.81▲ | $40.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,019▲ | $57,472 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,114▲ | $66,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,435▲ | $107,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,665▲ | $129,813 |
| Total Employed | 12,140▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sugar Land.
The salary gap between Houston and Sugar Land is $19,855 (23.71%). Houston's median is +0.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $103,646,Sugar Land spans $72,341. Houston 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, Houston ($105,045 effective) pays 20.41% more than Sugar Land ($87,240 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,605/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,665)
- ✓Larger job market (12,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,045)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Sugar Land if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Houston grew 4.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.8% growth in Sugar Land over the same period.
Houston, TX
$97,100 (2019) → $100,950 (2025)
Sugar Land, TX
$100,509 (2024) → $81,604 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Sugar Land, TX
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