Orlando vs Lakeland: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Orlando, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,389▲ | $83,992 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.70▲ | $40.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,937▲ | $59,330 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,883▲ | $75,669 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,557▲ | $126,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,668▲ | $162,935 |
| Total Employed | 3,720▲ | 470 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Orlando and Lakeland is $19,397 (23.09%). Orlando's median is -0.10% 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,Lakeland spans $103,605. Lakeland 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, Orlando ($101,943 effective) pays 17.90% more than Lakeland ($86,464 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,389/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,668)
- ✓Larger job market (3,720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,943)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓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 -4.2% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$84,740 (2019) → $100,740 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$85,470 (2019) → $81,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Orlando or Lakeland?
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Should I relocate from Orlando to Lakeland as a civil engineer?
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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