Northampton vs Pittsfield: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Northampton, MA and Pittsfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Northampton, MA | Pittsfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,664▲ | $103,461 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.32▲ | $49.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,000 | $77,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,229▲ | $80,452 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,033▲ | $129,919 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,229▲ | $156,439 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Northampton, MA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsfield.
The salary gap between Northampton and Pittsfield is $1,203 (1.16%). Northampton's median is +1.13% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Northampton spans $87,229,Pittsfield spans $79,261. Northampton 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, Pittsfield ($108,785 effective) pays 12.77% more than Northampton ($96,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Northampton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,664/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,229)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,785)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Northampton grew -16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Pittsfield over the same period.
Northampton, MA
$122,545 (2024) → $101,982 (2025)
Pittsfield, MA
$78,060 (2021) → $100,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Northampton, MA
Pittsfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Northampton or Pittsfield?
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Should I relocate from Northampton to Pittsfield as a civil engineer?
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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