Olympia vs Seattle: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Olympia, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,087 | $119,543▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.41 | $57.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,722▲ | $84,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,169 | $102,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,840 | $138,037▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,786 | $166,014▲ |
| Total Employed | 860 | 7,680▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Seattle is $8,456 (7.61%). Seattle's median is +15.51% 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,Seattle spans $81,714. Seattle 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, Seattle ($107,568 effective) pays 0.39% more than Olympia ($107,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,543/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,014)
- ✓Larger job market (7,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,568)
- ✓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 27.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$84,930 (2019) → $108,240 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$91,440 (2019) → $116,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Olympia or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Seattle as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Olympia vs Seattle?
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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