Orlando vs Palm Bay: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Orlando, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,389▲ | $103,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.70▲ | $49.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,937▲ | $66,012 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,883 | $80,883 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,557 | $133,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,668 | $171,874▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,720▲ | 1,070 |
Verdict
Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Palm Bay.
The salary gap between Orlando and Palm Bay is $102 (0.10%). 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,Palm Bay spans $105,862. Palm Bay 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, Palm Bay ($103,282 effective) pays 1.31% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,389/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,874)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,282)
- ✓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 7.4% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$84,740 (2019) → $100,740 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$93,710 (2019) → $100,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Orlando or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Palm Bay as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Orlando vs Palm Bay?
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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