Kennewick vs Lakewood: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Lakewood, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Lakewood, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,562▲ | $109,304 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.88▲ | $52.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,396▲ | $69,652 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,566▲ | $89,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,821▲ | $139,909 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,070▲ | $169,422 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Lakewood is $15,258 (13.96%). Kennewick's median is +20.36% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $99,674,Lakewood spans $99,770. Lakewood 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, Kennewick ($124,464 effective) pays 22.30% more than Lakewood ($101,773 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,562/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,070)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,464)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Kennewick grew 42.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -12.7% growth in Lakewood over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$85,410 (2020) → $121,370 (2025)
Lakewood, WA
$122,035 (2024) → $106,503 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Lakewood, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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