Oklahoma City vs Shawnee: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Oklahoma City, OK and Shawnee, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Shawnee, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,563▲ | $89,412 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.83▲ | $42.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,756▲ | $59,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,622▲ | $74,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,630▲ | $112,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,435▲ | $138,589 |
| Total Employed | 880▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Oklahoma City, OK offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shawnee.
The salary gap between Oklahoma City and Shawnee is $12,151 (13.59%). Oklahoma City's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oklahoma City spans $98,679,Shawnee spans $79,284. Oklahoma City 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, Oklahoma City ($112,339 effective) pays 11.70% more than Shawnee ($100,576 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oklahoma City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,435)
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,339)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Shawnee if…
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Oklahoma City grew 0.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Shawnee over the same period.
Oklahoma City, OK
$98,940 (2019) → $98,960 (2025)
Shawnee, OK
$76,028 (2024) → $87,121 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oklahoma City, OK
Shawnee, OK
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Oklahoma City or Shawnee?
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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