Melbourne vs Orlando: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Melbourne, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Melbourne, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,671▲ | $103,389 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.80▲ | $49.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,570▲ | $68,937 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,013▲ | $80,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,639▲ | $132,557 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,790 | $169,668▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 3,720▲ |
Verdict
Melbourne and Orlando are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Melbourne and Orlando is $2,282 (2.21%). Melbourne's median is +2.11% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Melbourne spans $92,220,Orlando spans $100,731. Orlando 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, Melbourne ($104,832 effective) pays 2.83% more than Orlando ($101,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Melbourne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,671/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,832)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,668)
- ✓Larger job market (3,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Melbourne grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Orlando over the same period.
Melbourne, FL
$93,928 (2024) → $102,963 (2025)
Orlando, FL
$84,740 (2019) → $100,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Melbourne, FL
Orlando, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Melbourne or Orlando?
What is the hourly rate difference between Melbourne and Orlando?
Should I relocate from Melbourne to Orlando as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Melbourne vs Orlando?
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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