Los Angeles vs Torrance: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Torrance, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Torrance, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,497 | $120,174▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.60 | $57.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,776 | $76,298▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,702 | $91,192▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,283 | $153,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,159 | $186,269▲ |
| Total Employed | 16,340▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Torrance, 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 Torrance is $8,677 (7.78%). Torrance's median is +16.12% 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,Torrance spans $109,971. Torrance 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, Torrance ($106,255 effective) pays 8.23% 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 Torrance if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,174/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,269)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,255)
- ✓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 -18.6% growth in Torrance over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$107,100 (2019) → $108,640 (2025)
Torrance, CA
$143,800 (2024) → $117,094 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Torrance, 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