Lansing vs Shelby Township: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Lansing, MI and Shelby Township, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Shelby Township, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,566▲ | $97,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.38▲ | $46.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,444▲ | $65,369 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,209▲ | $76,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,454 | $124,884▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,222 | $151,227▲ |
| Total Employed | 730▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelby Township.
The salary gap between Lansing and Shelby Township is $1,000 (1.02%). 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,Shelby Township spans $85,858. Shelby Township has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shelby Township ($104,685 effective) pays 0.89% more than Lansing ($103,764 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Shelby Township if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,227)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,685)
- ✓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 Shelby Township over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$80,800 (2019) → $96,040 (2025)
Shelby Township, MI
$86,459 (2024) → $95,066 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Shelby Township, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Lansing or Shelby Township?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Shelby Township?
Should I relocate from Lansing to Shelby Township as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Lansing vs Shelby Township?
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