Jefferson City vs Springfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Jefferson City, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,031 | $84,978▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.48 | $40.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,459 | $66,781▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,048 | $74,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $97,180 | $105,883▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,389 | $137,986▲ |
| Total Employed | 340 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and Springfield is $4,947 (6.18%). Springfield's median is -17.89% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $58,930,Springfield spans $71,205. Springfield 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, Springfield ($95,928 effective) pays 5.45% more than Jefferson City ($90,970 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,978/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,986)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,928)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Jefferson City grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$64,180 (2019) → $77,980 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$72,980 (2019) → $82,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Jefferson City or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to Springfield as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Jefferson City vs Springfield?
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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