Orlando vs Jacksonville: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Orlando, FL and Jacksonville, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,389 | $104,970▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.70 | $50.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,937▲ | $65,262 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,883 | $81,878▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,557▲ | $131,192 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,668▲ | $165,419 |
| Total Employed | 3,720▲ | 1,900 |
Verdict
Orlando and Jacksonville are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Orlando and Jacksonville is $1,581 (1.53%). Jacksonville's median is +1.43% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $100,731,Jacksonville spans $100,157. Orlando 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, Jacksonville ($105,514 effective) pays 3.50% more than Orlando ($101,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,668)
- ✓Larger job market (3,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,970/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,514)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Orlando grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Jacksonville over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$84,740 (2019) → $100,740 (2025)
Jacksonville, FL
$95,950 (2019) → $102,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Jacksonville, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Orlando or Jacksonville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Jacksonville?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Jacksonville as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Orlando vs Jacksonville?
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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