New Bedford vs Worcester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between New Bedford, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Bedford, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,729▲ | $104,447 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.35▲ | $50.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,550 | $76,942▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,499▲ | $82,925 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,833▲ | $129,704 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,330▲ | $155,782 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 600▲ |
Verdict
New Bedford, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.
The salary gap between New Bedford and Worcester is $282 (0.27%). New Bedford's median is +1.20% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Bedford spans $88,780,Worcester spans $78,840. New Bedford 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, Worcester ($101,877 effective) pays 5.54% more than New Bedford ($96,524 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,330)
- ✓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 New Bedford grew 4.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 27.5% growth in Worcester over the same period.
New Bedford, MA
$98,030 (2021) → $102,045 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$79,830 (2019) → $101,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Bedford, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: New Bedford or Worcester?
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Should I relocate from New Bedford to Worcester as a civil engineer?
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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