Mount Vernon vs Olympia: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Mount Vernon, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mount Vernon, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,964 | $111,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.98 | $53.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,058 | $86,722▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,197 | $95,169▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,746▲ | $126,840 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,277▲ | $145,786 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Vernon.
The salary gap between Mount Vernon and Olympia is $7,123 (6.85%). Olympia's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mount Vernon spans $68,219,Olympia spans $59,064. Mount Vernon 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, Olympia ($107,154 effective) pays 5.59% more than Mount Vernon ($101,485 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mount Vernon if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,277)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,087/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,154)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Mount Vernon grew 25.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Mount Vernon, WA
$80,750 (2020) → $101,300 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$84,930 (2019) → $108,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mount Vernon, WA
Olympia, WA
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