Kennewick vs Tukwila: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tukwila, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,562▲ | $102,253 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.88▲ | $49.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,396▲ | $75,458 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,566▲ | $81,840 |
| 75th Percentile | $144,821▲ | $127,534 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,070▲ | $154,938 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tukwila.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tukwila is $22,309 (21.82%). 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,Tukwila spans $79,480. 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 30.73% more than Tukwila ($95,208 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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$85,410 (2020) → $121,370 (2025)
Tukwila, WA
$114,163 (2024) → $99,633 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tukwila, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kennewick or Tukwila?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Tukwila?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Tukwila as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kennewick vs Tukwila?
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