Civil Engineer Salary

Lynn vs Worcester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare civil engineer salaries between Lynn, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lynn, MA
$106,770
$51.34/hr
Worcester, MA
$104,447
$50.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLynn, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$106,770$104,447
Hourly Rate$51.34$50.22
Entry Level (P10)$69,758$76,942
25th Percentile$82,269$82,925
75th Percentile$136,666$129,704
Top Earner (P90)$165,494$155,782
Total Employed24600
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lynn ($106,770) and Worcester ($104,447) civil engineer salaries.LynnWorcesterMedian Salary$106,770$104,447Entry Level (P10)$69,758$76,942Top Earner (P90)$165,494$155,782US Median $103,492

Verdict

Lynn, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.

The salary gap between Lynn and Worcester is $2,323 (2.22%). Lynn's median is +3.17% compared to the US national median of $103,492.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lynn spans $95,736,Worcester spans $78,840. Lynn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lynn
P10 (Entry)$69,758
P25$82,269
Median$106,770
P75$136,666
P90 (Top)$165,494
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$76,942
P25$82,925
Median$104,447
P75$129,704
P90 (Top)$155,782

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Worcester ($101,877 effective) pays 3.53% more than Lynn ($98,406 effective).

Lynn
Nominal: $106,770
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $98,406
Worcester
Nominal: $104,447
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $101,877

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lynn if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,770/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($165,494)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Larger job market (600 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,877)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Lynn grew -20.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Lynn, MA

+-20.9%

$131,498 (2024) → $104,034 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+27.5%

$79,830 (2019) → $101,770 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays civil engineers more: Lynn or Worcester?

Lynn has a higher median civil engineer salary at $106,770/year, compared to Worcester at $104,447/year — a difference of $2,323 (2.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lynn and Worcester?

Lynn civil engineers earn $51.34/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $50.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lynn to Worcester as a civil engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lynn and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lynn = $98,406, Worcester = $101,877), job availability (24 vs 600 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Lynn vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) civil engineers earn $69,758 in Lynn and $76,942 in Worcester. The Worcester 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