Olympia vs Renton: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Olympia, WA and Renton, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Renton, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,087 | $113,514▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.41 | $54.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,722▲ | $74,107 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,169▲ | $87,336 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,840 | $145,269▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,786 | $175,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Renton, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Renton is $2,427 (2.18%). Renton's median is +9.68% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $59,064,Renton spans $101,840. Renton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($107,154 effective) pays 1.38% more than Renton ($105,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,154)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Renton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,514/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,947)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Olympia grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.7% growth in Renton over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$84,930 (2019) → $108,240 (2025)
Renton, WA
$126,736 (2024) → $110,605 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Renton, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Olympia or Renton?
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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