New York vs Poughkeepsie: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between New York, NY and Poughkeepsie, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Poughkeepsie, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,153▲ | $102,314 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.96▲ | $49.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,308▲ | $69,711 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,043▲ | $80,653 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,079▲ | $129,669 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,039▲ | $158,587 |
| Total Employed | 15,590▲ | 5 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Poughkeepsie.
The salary gap between New York and Poughkeepsie is $7,839 (7.66%). New York's median is +6.44% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $100,731,Poughkeepsie spans $88,876. New York 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, New York ($97,859 effective) pays 10.85% more than Poughkeepsie ($88,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,039)
- ✓Larger job market (15,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,859)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Poughkeepsie if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in New York grew 10.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -26.0% growth in Poughkeepsie over the same period.
New York, NY
$97,040 (2019) → $107,330 (2025)
Poughkeepsie, NY
$134,702 (2024) → $99,692 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: New York or Poughkeepsie?
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Related Comparisons
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