Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,497 | $123,135▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.60 | $59.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,776 | $80,647▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,702 | $96,883▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,283 | $155,310▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,159 | $175,549▲ |
| Total Employed | 16,340▲ | 610 |
Verdict
Santa Maria, CA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $11,638 (10.44%). Santa Maria's median is +18.98% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $100,383,Santa Maria spans $94,902. Los Angeles 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, Santa Maria ($113,178 effective) pays 15.28% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (16,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,549)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,178)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Los Angeles grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$112,400 (2019) → $119,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Maria as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Maria?
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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