Louisville/Jefferson County vs Richmond: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Richmond, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Richmond, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,350▲ | $102,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.65▲ | $49.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,753▲ | $69,452 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,858▲ | $80,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,288 | $129,248▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,738 | $155,897▲ |
| Total Employed | 940▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Richmond is $3,338 (3.27%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +1.80% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $80,985,Richmond spans $86,445. Richmond 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, Richmond ($114,235 effective) pays 0.92% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($113,190 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,350/year)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,235)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$82,440 (2019) → $102,650 (2025)
Richmond, KY
$77,376 (2024) → $99,398 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Richmond, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Richmond as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Richmond?
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