Kennewick vs Shoreline: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Shoreline, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Shoreline, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,562▲ | $110,959 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.88▲ | $53.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,396▲ | $73,391 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,566▲ | $85,847 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,821▲ | $142,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,070▲ | $171,987 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shoreline.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Shoreline is $13,603 (12.26%). 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,Shoreline spans $98,596. Kennewick 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, Kennewick ($124,464 effective) pays 20.47% more than Shoreline ($103,314 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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$85,410 (2020) → $121,370 (2025)
Shoreline, WA
$123,884 (2024) → $108,116 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Shoreline, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kennewick or Shoreline?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Shoreline?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Shoreline as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kennewick vs Shoreline?
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