Civil Engineer Salary

Lansing vs Novi: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Lansing, MI and Novi, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$98,566
$47.38/hr
Novi, MI
$94,569
$45.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MINovi, MI
Median Salary$98,566$94,569
Hourly Rate$47.38$45.47
Entry Level (P10)$68,444$66,193
25th Percentile$77,209$75,899
75th Percentile$123,454$121,049
Top Earner (P90)$138,222$146,582
Total Employed73012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($98,566) and Novi ($94,569) civil engineer salaries.LansingNoviMedian Salary$98,566$94,569Entry Level (P10)$68,444$66,193Top Earner (P90)$138,222$146,582US Median $103,492

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Novi.

The salary gap between Lansing and Novi is $3,997 (4.23%). Lansing's median is -4.76% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $69,778,Novi spans $80,389. Novi has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$68,444
P25$77,209
Median$98,566
P75$123,454
P90 (Top)$138,222
Novi
P10 (Entry)$66,193
P25$75,899
Median$94,569
P75$121,049
P90 (Top)$146,582

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($103,764 effective) pays 2.26% more than Novi ($101,469 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $98,566
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $103,764
Novi
Nominal: $94,569
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $101,469

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($98,566/year)
  • Larger job market (730 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,764)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Novi if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($146,582)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lansing grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.0% growth in Novi over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+18.9%

$80,800 (2019) → $96,040 (2025)

Novi, MI

+10.0%

$83,803 (2024) → $92,146 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Lansing or Novi?

Lansing has a higher median civil engineer salary at $98,566/year, compared to Novi at $94,569/year — a difference of $3,997 (4.23%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Novi?

Lansing civil engineers earn $47.38/hr while Novi hygienists earn $45.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Novi as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Novi. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $103,764, Novi = $101,469), job availability (730 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Lansing vs Novi?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $68,444 in Lansing and $66,193 in Novi. The Lansing area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, Ph.D.Data verified by Carlos Ramirez, M.S.

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