Lake Ridge vs Roanoke: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lake Ridge, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Ridge, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,641 | $93,106▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.54 | $44.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,160 | $68,198▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,506 | $77,752▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,014▲ | $117,029 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,594▲ | $134,712 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Ridge.
The salary gap between Lake Ridge and Roanoke is $465 (0.50%). Roanoke's median is -10.04% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Ridge spans $79,434,Roanoke spans $66,514. Lake Ridge 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, Roanoke ($99,453 effective) pays 10.79% more than Lake Ridge ($89,768 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,594)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,106/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,453)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lake Ridge grew -15.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Lake Ridge, VA
$106,802 (2024) → $90,267 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$66,650 (2019) → $90,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Ridge, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Lake Ridge or Roanoke?
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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