Lancaster vs Los Angeles: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lancaster, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,555▲ | $111,497 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.96▲ | $53.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,629▲ | $74,776 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,940▲ | $86,702 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,263▲ | $145,283 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,860▲ | $175,159 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 16,340▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Los Angeles is $9,058 (8.12%). Lancaster's median is +16.49% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $109,231,Los Angeles spans $100,383. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($106,592 effective) pays 8.57% more than Los Angeles ($98,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,555/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,860)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,592)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (16,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lancaster grew -18.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lancaster, CA
$144,257 (2024) → $117,466 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, CA
Los Angeles, CA
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