Lake Stevens vs Olympia: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,993 | $111,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44 | $53.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,490 | $86,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,470 | $95,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,283▲ | $126,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,558▲ | $145,786 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Olympia is $4,094 (3.83%). Olympia's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $85,068,Olympia spans $59,064. Lake Stevens 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, Olympia ($107,154 effective) pays 7.56% more than Lake Stevens ($99,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,558)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,087/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,154)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lake Stevens grew -12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$119,455 (2024) → $104,251 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$84,930 (2019) → $108,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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