Philadelphia vs Lancaster: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Lancaster, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Lancaster, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,024▲ | $100,352 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06▲ | $48.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,824▲ | $73,155 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,572▲ | $80,308 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,761▲ | $118,168 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,851▲ | $135,071 |
| Total Employed | 6,160▲ | 540 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Lancaster is $1,672 (1.67%). Philadelphia's median is -1.42% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $74,027,Lancaster spans $61,916. Philadelphia 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, Lancaster ($102,132 effective) pays 2.66% more than Philadelphia ($99,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,851)
- ✓Larger job market (6,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,132)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Philadelphia grew 10.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$89,670 (2019) → $99,410 (2025)
Lancaster, PA
$82,750 (2019) → $97,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Lancaster, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Philadelphia or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Lancaster as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Philadelphia vs Lancaster?
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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